WEDNESDAY March 19^th, 2025 – The Government of Vanuatu firmly reaffirms its commitment to international maritime regulations and rejects any allegations that its flag is being used as a safe haven for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

A recent report has claimed that fishing vessels operating under the Vanuatu flag have engaged in illegal activities in Argentina’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

These allegations fail to recognize the strong regulatory measures and enforcement actions that Vanuatu has already implemented. As a responsible Flag State, Vanuatu maintains strict oversight of its flagged vessels and takes swift action against any non-compliance with international fisheries laws.

Actions Taken by Vanuatu Authorities

Upon learning of the incidents, the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR) immediately launched investigations into the vessels in question. The findings resulted in:

• Fines being imposed on vessels that breached regulations in foreign waters.
• Warnings being issued to certain operators, with clear instructions to adhere to strict compliance measures.
• The removal of non-compliant vessels from the Vanuatu registry, ensuring that only law-abiding operators continue to fly our flag.

These actions demonstrate Vanuatu’s zero-tolerance policy towards IUU fishing. No vessel, regardless of ownership, will be permitted to operate under the Vanuatu flag if found in violation of international maritime laws.

Strengthening Vanuatu’s Regulatory Framework

To further enhance its oversight, Vanuatu has implemented additional compliance measures, including:

• Mandatory disclosure of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs): All vessels seeking registration under the Vanuatu flag must fully disclose their ownership details.
• Daily Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and Transshipment Reporting: Effective April 1, 2025, all fishing vessels under the Vanuatu flag must report their VMS and transshipment activities daily to VISR.
• Strict enforcement of international fisheries regulations: Any vessel that fails to comply with reporting requirements or is involved in illegal activities will be immediately deregistered.

Vanuatu’s ongoing collaboration with regional and international partners ensures that all vessels under its flag adhere to the highest compliance standards.

A Clear Message to the International Community

Vanuatu will continue to play its role as a responsible maritime nation and work closely with international fisheries organizations, coastal states, and regulatory bodies to combat IUU fishing worldwide.

We urge all stakeholders to recognize the substantial actions taken by the Vanuatu Government in enforcing compliance and maintaining the integrity of our international shipping registry.