The management of the distant water tuna fishery in Taiwan

Since the 1960s Taiwan has been a significant player in the global distant water tuna fisheries (DWTF). However, Taiwan's lack of political recognition has led some fisheries businesses to employ less conventional methods including Flags of Convenience (FOCs) in harvesting tuna resources. Meanwhile, Taiwan has been experiencing the painful cost of readjusted DWTF policies. This paper compares the readjusted policies in accordance with international management instruments and tuna compliance requirements (Compliance Agreement and UNFSA) and domestic laws are already undergoing adjustments to take these into account. This again demonstrates Taiwan's unique position in the international community: despite it not being a member of the United Nations, Taiwan spares no effort to ensure the sustainability of marine resources, and does its utmost to fulfill the responsibilities and duties of a Flag State.

► Taiwanese tuna fisheries management is in line with the “Compliance Agreement” and the “United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement”.
► The Taiwanese government's effort and domestic laws have taken the four major IPOA initiatives into account.
► Taiwanese tuna fisheries management moves from the principle of flag state jurisdiction to personal jurisdiction.
► Despite Taiwan not being a member of the United Nations, the country strives to move towards responsible fisheries management.