SADC MCSCC’s first incident case study demonstrates illegal fishing, labour abuse and hidden ownership

September 14 2023

The first in a new case study series produced by the SADC MCSCC uncovers the interconnected aspects of illegal fishing and other crimes in the sector and shines a light on how operators under-cut their costs in all aspects of their business. It all started in June 2022 with a special mission for at sea inspections of Namibian flagged tuna longline vessels, conducted on the western border of the Namibian EEZ.  The SHANG FU was inspected during this operation. The Inspectors found evidence of illegal shark finning and identified that the vessel was not carrying a fisheries observer, as required by law. The SHANG FU was then ordered to port for further investigation. This led to a fine for fisheries violations which was paid, but months later, further investigations uncovered potential labour abuse. This led to the police removing the 57 crew from the SHANG FU and her sister vessel the NATA 2 in the port of Walvis Bay. Further research, supported by the SADC MCSCC, showed a history of IUU fishing and the use of shell companies with links to hidden Taiwanese ownership.

This case study not only demonstrates the commitment and work of Namibian authorities but also demonstrates the benefits of the MCSCC by providing rapid fisheries intelligence and information to Namibia, playing a pivotal role in supporting the Namibian authorities in the conduct of their investigations. 

The incident case study series demonstrates the successful work of the SADC MCSCC, the SADC Member States and the technical partners to overcome IUU fishing.

The case study is available in three languages English, French and Portuguese. (add the link)