Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU fishing) remains a major concern for the international community and for developing countries, in particular, Small Island Developing States and small, vulnerable economies. It disproportionately affects many fisheries on which these States depend for food security, livelihood and trade. For these reasons IUU fishing is a high priority for CRFM Member States because we continue to suffer significant economic losses, damage to our marine environment and flagrant violations of our sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction due to illegal fishing.