Serious shortcomings exist in the mechanisms that Ecuador has put in place to ensure compliance with its international fishing obligations according the European Commission. The legal framework in place in the country is outdated and not in line with international and regional rules for the conservation and management of fishing resources, and law enforcement is hampered by this outdated legal framework. In addition, inefficient administrative procedures and a lenient attitude towards infringements means the sanctions regime is neither depriving the offenders from the benefits gained from IUU fishing, nor deterring it. Deficiencies in terms of control, notably over the activity of the tuna fishing and processing industries, undermine the reliability of the traceability system upon which the certification of the legality of the catches is based.
The Commission has held discussions with Ecuador since 2014 and inadequate progress has led to today’s yellow card. The Commission will evaluate progress in addressing the shortcomings within the next six months. If the country does not fulfil its duties under international law and fails to take remedial actions, the Commission may consider banning imports of fisheries products from Ecuador.
