Taiwan, Canada sign MOU to combat IUU fishing

Taipei, Aug. 11 (CNA) Taiwan and Canada have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the use of a Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) system to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the two governments said Monday.

According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT), the pact was signed in Taipei by outgoing Canadian representative Jim Nickel and Taiwan's envoy to Canada, Harry Tseng (曾厚仁). The agencies did not specify the signing date.

CTOT represents Canadian interests in Taiwan in the absence of official ties.

MOFA said the agreement will facilitate bilateral cooperation against IUU fishing and promote prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. CTOT added in a Facebook post that it will give Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration access to Canada's DVD system.

The DVD system, valued at 7 million Canadian dollars (US$5.09 million), uses satellite imagery and analytics to identify and track vessels operating illegally by concealing their location or intentions, according to a Canadian government press release from Feb. 24, 2021.

The program aims to provide advanced satellite data and analysis to small island nations and coastal states affected by IUU fishing, which can undermine local economies, food security and fish stocks.

Canada signed a similar agreement with the Philippines in 2023 to give it access to the DVD system.