Assessing IUU Fishing in Southeast Asia

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens marine ecosystems, food security, and regional stability in Southeast Asia. Driven by rapid economic growth in ASEAN member states and surging global demand, fish stocks are being pushed to the brink of collapse. Compounding the challenge, maritime boundary disputes in contested waters and transnational criminal networks hinder the effective regulation of marine resources. The clandestine nature of at-sea activities further obscures the full scope, geographic distribution, drivers, and consequences of IUU fishing.

To equip policymakers with actionable insights, the Stimson Center developed a data-driven IUU Fishing Risk Assessment framework, adapted from the Environmental Security Program’s Climate and Ocean Risk Vulnerability Initiative (CORVI). This methodology evaluates key economic, environmental, and governance risk factors, enabling targeted interventions in high-risk areas. The findings and resources of this project not only illuminate the scale and impact of IUU fishing but also provide practical policy recommendations to enhance maritime security and promote sustainable fisheries management across the region.