L 56/28
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
23.2.2023
3.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A LIST OF NON-COOPERATING THIRD COUNTRIES (21)
In view of the conclusions reached with regard to Cameroon, that country should be added, in accordance with Article 33 of the IUU Regulation, to the list of non-cooperating third countries established by the Implementing Decision 2014/170/EU.
That Decision should therefore be amended accordingly.
(22)
The inclusion of Cameroon in the list of non-cooperating countries in the fight against IUU fishing entails the application of the measures laid down in Article 38 of the IUU Regulation.
Article 38(1) of the IUU Regulation provides for the prohibition of importation of fisheries products caught by vessels flying the flag of noncooperating third countries.
In the case of Cameroon, that prohibition should cover all stocks and species defined in Article 2, point 8, of the IUU Regulation, as the lack of appropriate measures adopted in relation to IUU fishing which has led to the identification of Cameroon as a non-cooperating third country is not limited to a given stock or species.
(23)
It is noted that IUU fishing, inter alia, depletes fish stocks, destroys marine habitats, undermines the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, distorts competition, endangers food security, puts compliant fishermen at an unfair disadvantage and weakens coastal communities.
In view of the magnitude of the problems related to IUU fishing, it is considered necessary for the Union to expeditiously implement the actions in respect of Cameroon as a non-cooperating third country.
Therefore, this Decision should enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
(24)
If Cameroon demonstrates that the situation that warranted its listing has been rectified, the Council, acting by qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission, is to remove Cameroon from the list of non-cooperating third countries in line with Article 34(1) of the IUU Regulation.
Any such removal decision should also take into consideration whether Cameroon has adopted concrete measures capable of achieving a lasting improvement of the situation,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1 The Republic of Cameroon is hereby added to the Annex to Implementing Decision 2014/170/EU.
Article 2 This Decision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Done at Brussels, 20 February 2023.
For the Council The President J. BORRELL FONTELLES