MCS practitioners on UNCLOS Article 73 ahead of MCSWG28
Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) practitioners from Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Members convened in Honiara for a workshop on Article 73 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The workshop aims to deepen Members’ understanding of coastal states’ rights and obligations concerning fisheries law enforcement within their exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
FFA Director-General Noan Pakop while opening the workshop highlighted the significance of Article 73 in affirming the sovereign rights of coastal states to manage and protect their fisheries resources.
“Implementing Article 73 is essential for safeguarding our marine resources and ensuring sustainable fisheries management for future generations,” Mr Pakop emphasized.
“By empowering our MCS practitioners with a thorough understanding of our enforcement rights and responsibilities, we strengthen our collective ability to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities. This workshop illustrates FFA’s commitment to upholding the sovereign rights of coastal states and strengthening regional cooperation in fisheries governance.”
Key provisions of Article 73 discussed during the workshop include:
- Enforcement Measures: Coastal states have the authority to enforce fisheries laws within their EEZs, including boarding, inspecting, arresting, and initiating judicial proceedings against vessels violating these laws.
- Prompt Notification: In cases where a foreign vessel is detained for breaching fisheries laws, the coastal state must promptly inform the flag state of the vessel about the detention and any penalties imposed.
- Penalties: Violations of fisheries laws in the EEZ should not result in imprisonment or other forms of corporal punishment, unless agreed upon by the states concerned.
This workshop focussed on the publication of the FFA handbook on Article 73 that was launched in November 2024 with the support of the World Bank.
The handbook serves as a vital resource for FFA Members, offering guidance on implementing Article 73 to ensure effective enforcement of fisheries laws while respecting the rights of other States.
The Article 73 workshop was delivered ahead of the 28th Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Working Group (MCSWG28) meeting. The MCSWG continues to serve as a platform for FFA Members to collaborate, share experiences, and enhance their capacities in fisheries monitoring, control, and surveillance, reinforcing the collective commitment to sustainable fisheries management in the Pacific region.”
HONIARA, 27 March 2025
| Media Contacts: Emily V. Moli FFA Communications Manager e: [email protected] Ernest Ta'asi FFA Communications Officer e: ernest.ta’[email protected] Priscilla Ragu FFA Communications Officer e: [email protected] |  |
| About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) FFA assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int |
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