Annotated Bibliography: Chinese Maritime Militia and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing

This annotated bibliography provides a starting point for understanding the evolving threat of irregular and unconventional maritime operations by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).  The materials here provide an overview of the use of Chinese Maritime Militia and fishing fleets as a means of force projection and hybrid influence. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a core element of China’s hybrid warfare strategy. IUU activities challenge nation-states, potentially violate international laws, and threaten marine ecosystems, littoral communities, and global stability. This work is provided as a resource for the sea services, (naval, marine corps, and coast guard) and law enforcement agencies seeking to understand and mitigate these evolving threats.

American University Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) and InSight Crime, “IUU Fishing Crimes in Latin America and the Caribbean.” CLALS Working Paper Series No. 39. August 2022,
https://insightcrime.org/investigations/plundered-oceans-iuu-fishing-south-america-seas/:

Abstract: This report serves as a foundational reference for Scholars, policymakers, and NGO’s interested in Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing across Latin America and the Caribbean. It offers a thorough overview of how IUU fishing has devastated local fisheries in the Western hemisphere, and by what means it still continues to do so.

Scott C. Apling, Martin Jeffery Bryant, James A. Garrison, and Oyunchimeg Young, “Pivoting the Joint Force: National Security Implications of Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing.” Joint Force Quarterly. Vol. 10, no, 4. 25 October 2022,
https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Joint-Force-Quarterly/Joint-Force-Quarterly-107/Article/Article/3197281/pivoting-the-joint-force-national-security-implications-of-illegal-unregulated/:

Abstract: This article, written by four American military Officers, starts with an outline of how the DOD is currently combating IUU fishing and then transitions into an interesting concept of how the DOD can successfully eradicate IUU fishing in the future, drawing on the DOD’s success with JIATF-South (Joint Interagency Task Force) and JIATF-West to strangle illegal maritime drug networks. Because the nature of the JIATF is multilateral and includes multiple partner nations and agencies cohesively working together for singular purpose, the authors argue that it would be a great model for the DOD to replicate for IUU fishing.

Aritra Banerjee, “China’s Maritime Militia: Fishing for Resources, Militarizing the Indian Ocean.” Modern Diplomacy. 9 January 2025,
https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/01/09/chinas-maritime-militia-fishing-for-resources-militarizing-the-indian-ocean/:

Abstract: Banerjee describes how the PRC has deployed its fishing fleets into the Indian Ocean to illegally harvest the resources of other nations, while protecting its illegal fishing fleets from reprisal by backing them up with Chinese Warships. The article notes that in 2023 95% of illegal fishing incidents involved Chinese vessels and writes about how the Indian Ocean is being depleted of its fishery stocks because of illegal Chinese fishing in other nations EEZs. Banerjee urges the international community to come together and act decisively.

Christopher Booth, “Irregular Warfare at Sea: Using Privateers to Seize Chinese Commerce.” Irregular Warfare Initiative. 20 August 2024, https://irregularwarfare.org/articles/irregular-warfare-at-sea-using-privateers-to-seize-chinese-commerce/:

Abstract: This strategic analysis offers a compelling vision for the use of privateers in a potential conflict with China, noting that the US, “may find itself overwhelmed and outgunned in any long-running attritional war against China.” The article notes that China imports vast amounts of its food and energy. Noteworthy is that the Constitution still grants Congress the power to issue Letters of Marque, and the author argues that privateers will help close the gap between China’s numerical superiority on the seas and a recent lack of US shipbuilding capacity.

Michael E. Clark,  “A More Comprehensive Plan to Push Back Against China’s Fishing Practices.” War on the Rocks. 25 April 2024, https://warontherocks.com/2024/04/a-more-comprehensive-plan-to-push-back-against-chinas-fishing-practices/:

Abstract: LtCol Clark of the USMC offers a slight rebuttal of USCG CDR Delano-Johnson and USN CDR Bernotavicius’s [paywalled]article in War on the Rocks where they argue the USCG should lead efforts to combat IUU Chinese fishing practices by helping partner governments develop self-sufficient maritime enforcement practices. Clark argues that the proposal fails to address the larger issue facilitating harmful Chinese fishing practices which is corruption and coercion. He describes how the PRC offers bribes and threats to local government officials to ensure they don’t target Chinese fishing vessels, as well as coercive funding offers as part of the Belt and Road initiative.

Kim R. Cragin, “Confronting Irregular Warfare in the South China Sea: Lessons Learned from Vietnam.” Military Review, November-December 2024.
https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/military-review/Archives/English/Nov-Dec-2024/IW-South-China-Sea/IW-South-China-Sea-UA.pdf:

Abstract: The author analyzes China’s specific actions in the Spratley Islands and South China Sea against Vietnam and the Philippines, and then examines Vietnams response. Because Vietnam has had some moderate success pushing back against China’s actions, the author argues the United States should look to the lessons contained in the article derived from Vietnams actions.

Peter Dobias, “Maritime Militias: Disrupting Naval Operations in the Pacific Theater and the Case for Intermediate Force Capabilities in the Maritime Domain.” Journal of Advanced Military Studies. Vol. 15, no. 2, Fall 2024, https://doi.org/10.21140/mcuj.20241502001:

Abstract: This may be one of the most important articles contained in this bibliography, not only is it a useful framework for understanding gray—zone maritime threats but the author also provides possible solutions to China’s use of “civilian” fishing vessels as military assets, arguing for the use of nonlethal acoustic devices, vessel—stopping systems and high power microwaves among other scalable countermeasures that preserve escalation control while shaping adversary behavior.

Environmental Justice Foundation, “Tide of Injustice: Exploitation and Illegal Fishing on Chinese Vessels in the Southwest Indian Ocean.” London: Environmental Justice Foundation. April 2024,
https://ejfoundation.org/resources/downloads/Tide-of-Injustice-SWIO-report.pdf:

Abstract: This report details the scope and activities of China’s Distant Water Fleet (DWF) in the Southwest Indian Ocean, with a focus on how it is not only decimating the marine ecosystem there, but also its widespread abuse of the Indonesian, Filipino, and Mozambican fishers it employs/entraps onboard its fishing fleet. The report draws on dozens of interviews with fishers and other primary/secondary data sources. This 58 page report is incredibly detailed, with illuminating charts and pictures taken onboard these vessels.

Julia Famularo, “Great Inspections: PRC Maritime Law Enforcement Operations in the Taiwan Strait.” China Maritime Report No. 48. China Maritime Studies Institute. US Naval War College. July 2025,
https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1048&context=cmsi-maritime-reports:

Abstract: The newest China Maritime Report from CMSI (as of July 2025) analyzes how the PRC uses law enforcement operations as a form of cognitive warfare, deliberately operating in Taiwan’s waters to help cement their preferred narratives and to help normalize perpetual violation of Taiwan’s sovereignty. The author writes how the PRC believes that employing their law enforcement assets “to implement a sea-based quarantine” will mitigate the risk of third-party intervention.

Zachary Fillingham, “Backgrounder: The People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM).” Geopolitical Monitor. 11 September 2024,
https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/backgrounder-the-peoples-armed-forces-maritime-militia-pafmm/:

Abstract: This article provides a concise overview of China’s maritime Milita, or PAFMM. It also highlights some salient incidents over the years that the PAFMM was involved in.

Kentaro Furuya, “Law Enforcement Measures Against Chinese Maritime Militia.” International Law Studies. 100 INT’L L. STUD. 672,  US Naval War College. 2023, https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/ils/vol100/iss1/20/:

Abstract: This article writes from a Japanese perspective to both examine the legal framework/status of China’s Maritime Militia and potential legal actions a state may take in response to “gray zone” tactics. The article ultimately concludes that law enforcement may be the best capacity to address these tactics.

Elanor Garcia, “You Sunk My Fishing Ship: A Comparison of the Australian Border Force & US Coast Guard’s Strategies to Combat Illegal, Unreported, & Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.” Small Wars Journal. 12 July 2025,
https://smallwarsjournal.com/2025/07/12/you-sunk-my-fishing-ship-a-comparison-of-the-australian-border-force-us-coast-guards-strategies-to-combat-illegal-unreported-unregulated-iuu-fishing/:

Abstract: Eleanor Garcia writes a detailed article comparing the methods and capabilities of the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the United States Coast Guard in combatting IUU fishing. She notes some key differences, the Australian Border Force destroys vessels found illegally fishing in their EEZ while the USCG does not, and the USCG counts many more vessels in its fleet than the ABF does. The article suggests that both agencies can and should learn from one another in the global fight against IUU fishing.

Derek Grossman and Logan Ma, “A Short History of China’s Fishing Militia and What It May Tell Us.” RAND.  6 April 2020,
https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2020/04/a-short-history-of-chinas-fishing-militia-and-what.html:

Abstract: Derek Grossman and Logan Ma trace the evolution of China’s maritime militia from its origins as a coastal defense force modeled after the Soviet Union’s “Young School” strand of naval thought to its evolution into a “maritime sovereignty support force.” An important quote from the article, “A key lesson for Beijing was that leveraging fishing militia forces was far less likely to trigger U.S. intervention in the matter even when the threatened neighbor was a U.S. ally.”

Jeffrey W. Jaeger, “One Nation’s Fishing Fleet, Another Nation’s Pirates: Countering China’s Maritime Militia.” Proceedings. Vol. 150/4/1,454. April 2024,
https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2024/april/one-nations-fishing-fleet-another-nations-pirates-countering:

Abstract: This article provides an innovative way to think about and confront China’s maritime militia/fishing fleet, which enjoys the sovereign immunity of their flag state yet regularly takes hostile actions against other nations. Jaeger writes that the PRC’s fishing fleet effectively acts as privateers, colonizing territory and looting resources from other nations EEZ’s, which means they are, “subject to interdiction if they carry out acts of piracy in the view of opposed governments.” Jaeger also recommends issuing Letters of Marque to empower and incentivize both warships and private vessels to seize and combat China’s Maritime Militia.

Caitlin Keating-Bitonti and Anthony R. Marshak, “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: Frequently Asked Questions.” Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, R48215. October 2024, https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R48215:

Abstract: This report provides a comprehensive overview of IUU fishing and goes over the US government’s actions in the past and future to confront it. It discusses laws, international treaties, and current enforcement mechanisms. Importantly, it also provides prescriptions for congress to completely confront IUU fishing which threatens global food supply, sovereignty, and the rule of law.

Conor M. Kennedy, “Ro Ro Ferries and the Expansion of the PLA’s Landing Ship Fleet.” Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC). 27 March 2023, https://cimsec.org/ro-ro-ferries-and-the-expansion-of-the-plas-landing-ship-fleet/:

Abstract: Conor M. Kennedy analyzes how the PLA has rapidly expanded its amphibious landing fleet over the last few years, modifying large numbers of civilian ferries and RO-RO’s (Roll on/roll off vessels for transportation) into capable amphibious landing craft, while still maintaining their dual commercial use when not in drills or landing operations.

Conor M. Kennedy and Andrew S. Erickson, “China’s Third Sea Force, The People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia: Tethered to the PLA.” China Maritime Report No. 1, China Maritime Studies Institute. US Naval War College. March 2017,
https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=cmsi-maritime-reports:

Abstract: This institutional report draws on open-source Chinese language material to clarify China’s Maritime Militia’s structure, command, and role as a “third sea force” augmenting the PLA forces with numerous grey zone assets. It highlights how this force is already playing a frontline role in “Chinese incidences and skirmishes with foreign mariners…”

Min G Koo and Su Jin Yoo, “Is China Responsible for Its Maritime Militia’s Internationally Wrongful Acts?” The Attribution of the Conduct of a Parastatal Entity to the State. Business and Politics, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 277–291. September 2022, https://doi.org/10.1017/bap.2022.7:

Abstract: This study focuses on the purpose and rise of China’s maritime militia through a legal lense, highlighting its malign actions throughout East Asia and noting the attribution problems the militia purposefully creates. The study finds multiple legal frameworks to hold China accountable for the actions that their militia takes in service of the PRC’s goals, including the 2001 Articles on Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts (ARSIWA) of the UN International Law Commission, as well as other legal studies. It also references China’s own legislation that writes how Chinese maritime militias are, “empowered to exercise governmental authority.”

James Kraska and Michael Monti, “The Law of Naval Warfare and China’s Maritime Militia.” International Law Studies, US Naval War College. 91 INT’L L. STUD. 450. 2015, https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1406&context=ils:

Abstract: This article focuses on the intersection of modern naval strategy and international law, drawing on the implications for China using a fleet of thousands of “civilian fishing vessels” as a Maritime Militia, the article makes a detailed examination of legal practices, precedent, and historical cases.

Diego Laje, “Uncovering China’s Fishy Activities at Sea.” SIGNAL. 1 March 2023,
https://www.afcea.org/signal-media/intelligence/uncovering-chinas-fishy-activities-sea:

Abstract: New technology is starting to strip the advantages for China of illegally using its fishing fleet for military and imperial purposes. Multiple agencies are now using AI and algorithms in concert with other technology to correctly identify and predict locations and behaviors of China’s maritime militia vs other fishing vessels.

James M. Landreth, “The Strategic Significance of the Chinese Fishing Fleet.” Military Review, May-June 2021.
https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/May-June-2021/Landreth-Chinese-Fishing-Fleet/:

Abstract: This document examines the Strategic Significance of the Chinese Fishing Fleet by contextualizing the massive fleet within the PRC’s grand strategy, and identifying/assessing both the most likely and most dangerous use cases for China’s “sixteen thousand hull fishing fleet and the fleet’s illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) practices.”

Shuxian Luo and Jonathan G. Panter, “China’s Maritime Militia and Fishing Fleets: A Primer for Operational Staffs and Tactical Leaders.” Military Review, January–February 2021,
https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/January-February-2021/Panter-Maritime-Militia/:

Abstract: This publication is an in depth, and three-part look into what domestic circumstances help explain the PRC’s maritime strategy, an examination of their actual maritime strategy, and the challenges it poses to US linked forces. Not only does China use its fishing fleets as a “…wide set of coercive instruments to assert its claims…” in contested maritime territory and as a maritime militia/force multiplier, but their fishing fleets also engage in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing inside other sovereign nations exclusive economic zones that devastate and deplete other nations fisheries. The article closes with a statement that the main goal of the PRC may be to force the world to accept Chinese overfishing, and it emphasizes the threat it poses to economic and ecological security realms.

Richard W. Maass, “Legal Deterrence by Denial: Strategic Initiative and International Law in the Gray Zone.” Texas National Security Review, Vol. 8, no. 3. Summer 2025,
https://tnsr.org/2025/06/legal-deterrence-by-denial-strategic-initiative-and-international-law-in-the-gray-zone/:

Abstract: This crucial article by Richard Maass finds ways to tackle Gray Zone aggression, which has become one of the most salient threats the West faces. Maass writes that while international laws and norms have created Gray Zone warfare, they can also provide a means to delegitimize it, because “it undercuts the upfront appeal of gray zone activities instead of relying on threats of post hoc armed retaliation that lack credibility.”

Ryan D. Martinson, “Missing in the Gray Zone? China’s Maritime Militia Forces Around Taiwan.” The Diplomat. 24 December 2024,
https://thediplomat.com/2024/12/missing-in-the-gray-zone-chinas-maritime-militia-forces-around-taiwan/:

Abstract: Ryan Martinson evaluates the intriguing absence, so far, of China’s Maritime Militia in the coercive gray – zone campaign around Taiwan. Beijing has utilized its Coast Guard and PLA forces around the Island however. The article is great for analyzing how the PRC’s naval operations are calibrated differently, so far, in Taiwan vs the South China Sea. The author notes that the Maritime Militia does stand ready to engage in a blockade of Taiwanese shipping lanes.

Ryan D. Martinson, “China’s Fishermen Spies: Intelligence Specialists in the Maritime Militia.” China Maritime Report No. 46, China Maritime Studies Institute, US Naval War College. April 2025, https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cmsi-maritime-reports/46/:

Abstract: Ryan Martinson describes how China employs intelligence specialists on the fishing vessels that comprise their Maritime Militia, and increasingly use their civilian fishing fleet to conduct reconnaissance and intelligence collection in waters near and far.

Cornelis D. Massie, Doortje Doerien Turangan, and Ivonne Sheriman, “The Quandary of Resolving Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Cases: Navigating the Crossroads of Judicial Processes and Maritime Diplomacy.” Pakistan Journal of  Criminology. Vol. 16, no. 3, PP. 1143–1154. July-September 2024,
https://www.pjcriminology.com/publications/the-quandary-of-resolving-illegal-unreported-and-unregulated-iuu-fishing-cases-navigating-the-crossroads-of-judicial-processes-and-maritime-diplomacy/:

Abstract: “This study aims to find a law enforcement action concept for the prosecution process against IUU Fishing perpetrators that does not disregard the principle of good relations between countries.” The paper also examines how jurisdictional fragmentation, differing legal classifications for fishing offenses, and a lack of coordination among nations hinder IUU fishing prevention. The article makes a strong case for increased cooperation and diplomacy among nations to more effectively prosecute IUU fishing.

NOAA Fisheries, “Report on IUU Fishing, Bycatch, and Shark Catch.” NOAA Fisheries, Washington, DC. May, 2025, https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/s3/2023-08/2023RTC-ImprovingIFManagement.pdf:

Abstract: This official report by NOAA makes note of which countries have been engaged in IUU fishing in previous years, and which countries have taken steps in more recent years to remedy their IUU fishing activities, and which countries have not.

Gregory B. Poling,”Tabitha Grace Mallory, Harrison Prétat, “Pulling Back the Curtain on China’s Maritime Militia.” Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies and Center for Advanced Defense Studies. November 2021.
https://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/publication/211118_Poling_Maritime_Militia.pdf?Y5iaJ4NT8eITSlAKTr.TWxtDHuLIq7wR:

Abstract: This report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative and the Center for Advanced Defense Studies used remote sensing data and open source Chinese language research to compile the most comprehensive study as of November 2021 on the make-up of China’s Maritime Militia in the South China Sea. It also provides a methodology for identifying Chinese Maritime Militia vessels, a deep dive into how the vessels are funded, and their leadership structure.

 Irina Popescu, “Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.” European Parliamentary Research Service.” (Briefing PE 614.598.) October 2022, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/BRIE/2017/614598/EPRS_BRI(2017)614598_EN.pdf:

Abstract: In this 2022 briefing to European Parliament (EU), Irina Popescu outlines a description of IUU fishing, why it’s a matter of concern, how to tackle it and why it is a global fight, and the European response. Importantly the briefing notes that EU is a global leader in the fight against IUU fishing but that it needs stronger multilateral coordination and enforcement mechanisms to succeed.

Jennifer Runion, “Fishing for Trouble: Chinese IUU Fishing and the Risk of Escalation.” Proceedings. Vol. 149/2/1,440, US Naval Institute. February 2023,
https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2023/february/fishing-trouble-chinese-iuu-fishing-and-risk-escalation:

Abstract: Commander Runion of the USCG writes a compelling article that first addresses the crisis of China’s Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing (IUU), and how China is decimating global fish stocks and the worlds food supply. The article references the PRC’s maritime militia that bullies its way into illegally harvesting fish from smaller nations exclusive economic zones (EEZ’s) and describes the solution to be enhanced partnerships/cooperation among all other countries in the Indo-Pacific region, to include bilateral and ship rider agreements that serve as force multipliers.

Wilder Alejandro Sánchez, “How Latin American Navies Combat Illegal, Unreported, or Unregulated Fishing.” Center for Strategic and International Studies. 22 May 2024,
https://www.csis.org/analysis/how-latin-american-navies-combat-illegal-unreported-or-unregulated-fishing:

Abstract: This article gives an overview of how Latin American navies are adapting to IUU fishing threats in their maritime zones. It makes note of the growing importance of UAV’s, reforming agreements, and cooperation, and offers strong recommendations for how Latin America and the Caribbean can improve their capabilities even further.

Jonathan Schroden, Cornell Overfield, John Mahoney, Heidi Holz, and Maggie Sparling, “Implications of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing for U.S. Special Operations Forces.” Washington, DC: CNA Corporation. September 2023, https://www.cna.org/reports/2023/10/Implications-IUUF-for-SpecOpsForces.pdf:

Abstract: While this study absolutely identifies ways that Special Operations Forces can substantively contribute to the interagency effort of combating IUU fishing,  also serves as one of the best primers for understanding IUU Fishing and its implications that I have read. It contains graphs, Charts, imagery, and a myriad of important historical “case studies” that give valuable context to everything one needs to understand about IUU Fishing.

 Melissa Conley Tyler, Michael Heazle, Jade Lindley, and Sharon Cowden, “Reeling in Illegal Fishing Is Crucial to Australia’s Maritime Security.” The Strategist. 17 May 2023, https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/reeling-in-illegal-fishing-is-crucial-to-australias-maritime-security/:

Abstract: This article examines the threat that IUU fishing poses to Australia’s Maritime Security. It highlights that not only does IUU fishing deplete Australia’s fisheries and food supply, but it also facilitates transnational crime like human trafficking and forced labor.

Uday, “The ‘Little Blue Men’: Understanding China’s Use of Maritime Militias.” Militant Wire. 14  August 2022, https://www.militantwire.com/p/the-little-blue-men-understanding?s=w&utm_medium=web:

Abstract: This article provides a great baseline for understanding how and why China uses their fleet of civilian fishing vessels as a maritime militia. China uses them to take and hold maritime territory from other nations, to avoid reprisals for violent actions at sea that break international laws and norms, and to otherwise covertly engage in military operations in the “gray zone” where ambiguity and deniability offers benefits.

United States Coast Guard, “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.” United States Coast Guard, https://www.uscg.mil/IUUFishing/:

Abstract: This portal created by the USCG creates a pathway for users to access the “USCG IUU Fishing Strategic Outlook” (September 2020), which functions as the USCG Vision To Combat IUU fishing, as well as the Implementation Plan. It also contains the “National 5 – Year Strategy For Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing 2022 – 2026” produced by Janet Coit and Dr. Richard W. Spinrad of NOAA. The final pathway is a list of resources including Reports, News Releases, and Articles

Ian Urbina, “The Hidden Costs of China’s Seafood Empire.” Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC). December 2024, https://globalinitiative.net/analysis/the-hidden-costs-of-chinas-seafood-empire/:

Abstract: This article notes that China has the largest fishing industry in the world, and details the high human and environmental cost that has come with it. It breaks down the human rights abuses and potential slave labor that China uses in its fishing industry, and calls out the EU, “Since 2010, the EU has used a carding system to penalize countries exporting seafood that is tied to illegal fishing or other crimes… According to the European Parliament, despite ‘considerable evidence of its significant and growing involvement in IUU fishing’, China has never been issued a yellow or red card by the EU.”

Miaomiao Yin and Sen Wang, “Australia’s jurisdiction and law enforcement in combating IUU fishing in the Southern Ocean.” Marine Policy. Vol. 169, Art. 106367. November 2024, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308597X24003658:

Abstract: This paper examines Australia’s jurisdiction and authority in the Southern Ocean, and examines how Australia has confronted IUU fishing in the past. It notes that “…Australia’s military capabilities have been negatively impacted by the overall lack of financial support.” And ultimately concludes that there is a “…dismatch between Australia’s Antarctic ambition and its limited enforcement capabilities.”

N.B. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of the United States Coast Guard or the United States.