The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and the Environment & Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST) welcome Taiwan’s adoption of fisheries management policies aligned with the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency following the UN Ocean Conference. Taiwan joins committed nations including South Korea, Liberia, Cameroon and Ghana in a landmark step towards ending illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and promoting human rights at sea.

The Charter sets out a clear roadmap of low- or no-cost steps for governments to implement fisheries transparency through open data, vessel tracking, and accountability in governance. This is essential for sustainable, legal and ethical fisheries worldwide, say the NGOs. Taiwan has now taken action to align with the Charter, demonstrating its commitment to combating illegal and unsustainable fishing globally.

Over the past five years, Taiwan has made significant progress in improving fisheries transparency, including the launch of a vessel information platform, publication of sanction records, and disclosure of beneficial ownership of foreign-flagged vessels owned by Taiwanese nationals. These efforts position Taiwan as a pioneer among major fishing nations, showing Taiwan’s commitment to being an active partner in the global fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and human rights abuses at sea, according to EJF and EAST.

“We recognise the importance of transparency and traceability in fisheries management. While challenges remain, we will continue to collaborate with civil society, such as EJF and EAST, and industry to advance transparency, accountability, and sustainability in our fisheries sector”, said Deputy Director General Lin, Ding-Rong of the Taiwan Fisheries Agency.

Steve Trent, CEO and Founder of EJF, applauded Taiwan’s leadership: “Taiwan’s endorsement of the Charter marks a significant commitment to transparency in global fisheries. As one of the most influential players in distant-water fishing, Taiwan’s progress will send a strong signal across the industry. Transparency is essential for protecting marine ecosystems, defending the rights of fishers and ensuring accountability from ship to shelf. We are now looking forward to working with the authorities in Taiwan to implement the charter and drive positive impact across its fishing fleet.

Tseng-hung Chu, CEO of the Environment & Animal Society of Taiwan, also added that "the Charter for Fisheries Transparency covers a wide range of areas, and we are pleased to see the government expressing its support and working toward gradual implementation through engagement and dialogue with various stakeholders."

EJF and EAST remain committed to working alongside civil society partners and governments to support the implementation of the Charter. Taiwan’s leadership, along with Korea, Liberia, Cameroon and Ghana, represents a growing global movement towards sustainable, legal and ethical fisheries.

ENDS

Notes to editors

The ten principles of the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency, which address the lack of transparency in vessel information, fishing activity, and fisheries governance and management, pinpoint the most essential transparency priorities needed to increase equity in fisheries and combat illegal fishing and human rights abuses at sea. The Charter was launched in 2023.

The Charter was initiated by a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Oceana, the Environmental Justice Foundation, Global Fishing Watch and has been supported by over 50 civil society including the Environment & Animal Society of Taiwan.

About EJF

Our work to secure environmental justice aims to protect our global climate, ocean, forests, wetlands, wildlife and defend the fundamental human right to a secure natural environment, recognising that all other rights are contingent on this. EJF works internationally to inform policy and drive systemic, durable reforms to protect our environment and defend human rights. We investigate and expose abuses and support environmental defenders, Indigenous peoples, communities, and independent journalists on the frontlines of environmental injustice. Our campaigns aim to secure peaceful, equitable and sustainable futures. Our investigators, researchers, filmmakers, and campaigners work with grassroots partners and environmental defenders across the globe. For more information, please contact media@ejfoundation.org.