EJF considers that the Commonwealth has a key role in addressing the unsustainable exploitation of global fisheries, both within the waters of Commonwealth countries and those of the international community. Global fisheries have effectively reached their maximum sustainable yield and if strong action by world leaders is not taken now, there will be severe economic, social and ecological consequences. Vulnerable coastal communities in developing countries are most at risk, as they often depend on fisheries for their livelihoods and food security.

This report from 2010 investigates the use of flags of convenience by pirate fishing vessels and advocates for the end of this widespread practice that is 'the scourge of today's maritime world'.

The report provides case studies from West Africa, Southeast Asia, the Indian and Pacific Oceans, all regions with high incidences of illegal fishing. Human rights abuses directly documented by EJF and other organisations, including the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), include physical and emotional abuse, incarceration, forced labour without pay, abandonment, and reports of murder.

How EU hygiene standards facilitate illegal fishing in West Africa.

Briefing researched, written and published by the Indonesian organisation JALA (in cooperation with EJF) - the Advocacy Network for North Sumatra Fisherfolk, documenting the social and environmental impacts of illegal trawling in North Sumatra.

'Illegal Driftnetting in the Mediterranean' documents how driftnets, although banned by both the EU and the ICCAT since 2002 and 2003, continue to be used illegally across the region to catch valuable large species, mainly swordfish and tuna. There are estimated to be up to 600 illegal driftnet vessels operating in the Mediterranean, including many EU-flagged vessels. EJF is calling on the European Union, and all States involved, to meet their legal responsibilities with firm and decisive action.

This report report from 2007 documents the link between IUU fishing and the EU through tracking illegally-caught fish from West Africa into the European market.

The report documents how illegal fishing activities are facilitated in Guinea by the lack of Monitoring, Control and Surveillance and the widespread use of Flags of Convenience. It makes recommendations to stop the plunder, including regional cooperation and EU leadership.

Mangroves represent far more than just a ‘bio-shield’. Despite being regarded for many years as ‘wastelands’, ripe for development, it is now known that mangroves provide coastal communities with many services and utilizable products, and perform vital ecosystem functions.

This report concludes that the conversion of mangrove habitat into shrimp farms, tourist resorts, agricultural and urban land over the past decades, as well as destruction of coral reefs, contributed significantly to the catastrophic loss of human lives and settlements during the 2004 tsunami. Conserving and restoring coastal mangrove areas is essential if coastal communities are to recover and be protected from future similar events.

The report explores the global nature of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing: one of the most serious threats to the future of world fisheries. It identifies possible solutions and action that can be taken by governments and the international community to prevent, deter and eliminate this pervasive problem.

'What's the Catch? - Reducing bycatch in EU distant water fisheries' documents EJF's research on the dramatic economic, ecological and developmental impacts of bycatch. It makes practical recommendations to reduce the EU distant water fisheries bycatch through highlighting successful technical and operational methods.

The report summarises the abuses and problems associated with shrimp production in Bangladesh, while defining potential solutions. Researched over an 18-month period, it incorporates over 250 references and, crucially, the personal testimony of Bangladeshi individuals directly affected by the shrimp industry.

This report is one of a series documenting EJF’s international investigations into the social, economic and environmental impacts resulting from shrimp production and consumption.