A recent study sheds light on the unintended consequences of unilateral efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, revealing a potential correlation with increased local maritime piracy. Published in Political Geography, the research draws on a comprehensive literature review on global piracy and evidence from Indonesian waters, demonstrating that constraints on illegal fishing at the local level might inadvertently spur piracy, particularly in regions with high vessel traffic.
Key Findings:
Local Response to IUU Fishing Constraints:
The study challenges the conventional narrative that foreign vessels engaging in destructive fishing force local fishers into sea crime, citing the Somali case.
It emphasizes that local responses to IUU fishing constraints may lead to an uptick in piracy incidents, especially in proximity to areas with significant vessel traffic.
Statistical Model and Data Sources:
Over 60 sources related to IUU and piracy, mapped data on illegal catches in Indonesia from 1990 to 2017, piracy data from the Maritime Piracy Event and Location Database, and other datasets were used.
A statistical model revealed that a decrease in illegal fishing and nearby vessel traffic independently increased the odds of piracy events in an area.
Case Study on Indonesia:
Indonesia, the second-largest global aquatic capture producer, implemented strict measures against IUU fishing in 2002 due to global appeals. These measures resulted in a decline in IUU catches but also led to unintended consequences.
Unintended Consequences and Root Causes:
The study underscores the importance of addressing root causes such as food insecurity, poverty, and joblessness alongside efforts to combat illegal fishing.
Government approaches that focus solely on detention and criminal prosecution may displace crime into other areas, highlighting the need for holistic strategies.
Government Measures and Future Considerations:
The authors suggest future studies to assess how government measures to curb illegal fishing may offset the cost of piracy.
While acknowledging the complexity of the issue, the study challenges the simplistic argument that illegal fishing is solely perpetrated by foreign criminals, emphasizing the nexus between foreign and local actors in the practice.
This research prompts a reconsideration of strategies to address illegal fishing, urging a comprehensive approach that considers the intricate connections between different forms of illicit activities and the underlying socio-economic factors.