IUU fishing in the value chains of live grouper and squid exports: A case study of Palawan, Philippines

Despite the proliferation of policy and research devoted to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, there is still limited recognition of the distinct types of IUU and destructive fishing practices, and the differences between them. In this study, we examined IUU fishing practices implicated in the value chain of live leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus) and squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) fisheries for export in Palawan province. Using ethnographic methodologies (interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation), we found that there are generally no destructive fishing practices involved in the catch of both species as physical integrity of the fish is paramount, except for the difficulty in tracing cyanide in P. leopardus. Against views that indiscriminately link small-scale fisheries with IUU and destructive fishing practices, our findings instead point to violations and irregularities committed by traders in relation to registrations and permits, auxiliary invoice, and cyanide detection test, which have the same negative impacts to fisheries but are often not the subject of enforcement and policy discussions. The study highlights that efforts to combat IUU fishing can be strengthened through a focus on governance throughout the value chain and among all stakeholders, not just at the site of production.