Lowering the Flag - Ending the Use of Flags of Convenience by Pirate Fishing Vessels

International law specifies that the country whose flag a vessel flies is responsible for controlling its activities. Certain states operate ‘open registries’ that allow foreign-vessels to fly their flag for a relatively tiny fee. Known as Flags of Convenience (FoC), many of these countries lack the resources or the will to monitor and control vessels flying their flag, allowing pirate fishing operations to avoid fisheries regulations and controls.