European Union: Philippines faces fish import ban

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines may soon be banned from exporting fish to Europe if it fails to control illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Also warning Papua New Guinea, the European Union issued a formal statement on Tuesday denouncing the Philippines "non-cooperation" in the fight against illegal fishing through a lack of system of sanctions, lack of actions to monitor and launch surveillance of the waters.

Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said in a press conference on Tuesday that the Philippines fails to fulfill its duties as flag, coastal, port or market state in line with international laws.

"I urge the Philippines and Papua New Guinea to fight this practice which puts the livelihoods of fishermen at risk. In the end, sustainability of fisheries in the Pacific Ocean means sustainability here in Europe, on our plates," Damanaki said.

The European Union recommended that the Philippines, the 12th largest fish producer in the world, amend its legal framework to combat illegal fishing and ensure sustainable use of the sea amid the pressure to meet high demands abroad for imported seafood.

The Union said that the decision was based on thorough analysis and takes into account a country's level of development.

"Today's decision highlights that these countries are not doing enough to fight illegal fishing," the Brussels-based bloc said Tuesday.

The "yellow card" warning against the Philippines does not entail any measures affecting trade but allows the country six months to rectify its shortcomings.

"Should the situation not improve within six months, the EU could take further steps, which could entail trade sanctions on fisheries imports, as was done recently with Guinea, Belize and Cambodia," the 28-member bloc also warned.