Establishing and Strengthening a Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) System for Fisheries in Albania

Europeaid/128433/C/SER/AL

 Project Objectives:

• the sustainability of the fishery sector through protection of marine resources

• enforcement of appropriate fishing management practices

 Project Pourpose:

•  management of fishing areas through a national, centralised surveillance system in the framework of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)

 Project Target Groups:

• Central Unit of DOWFR
• Fisheries Inspectorate in four main ports (Shëngjin, Durrës, Vlore and Sarande)
• All Inspectorate personnel in local district offices (including Lakes Shkoder and Ohrid)
• Ministry of Transport (Port Authorities)
• Ministry of Defense (Central Command Coast Guard)
• Ministry of Internal Affairs (Border Police)
• Ministry of Finance
• FMO members and fishing community

Main outputs

• Fully functional VMS including the installation of ‘blue boxes’ on approximately 200 fishing vessels over 12m length, integrated in IMOC and having a secure access at MEFWA, Tirana;
• Preparation of the new law on fisheries and aquaculture in line with EU Regulations specifically EC/1224/2009 (fisheries control framework), EC/1005/2008 (IUU fishing control), EC/1042/2006 (inspection of fishing vessels), EC/1281/2005 (licence management), EC/129/2003 (mesh size and twine thickness) and EC/1381/1987 (marking and identification of fishing vessels);
• Communications Plan and practical Field Guide for strengthening the inspectorate capacities in preventing IUU and improving the MCS system;
• Training and awareness programmes for beneficiaries and stakeholders so sustainable fishing practices can be promoted throughout the country;
• Monitoring and evaluation system in place to develop, update and support further interventions in the future.