Malaysia's approach towards illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in South China Sea

Illegal. Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is triggered by high and inereasing demand for seafood, particularly in Southeast Asia, where people are deeply dependent on marine food and income resources. The migratory essence of fishes and the maritime laws in place demand that nations understand the situation and curb all stability constraints. As part of the national plan of action to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Malaysia is either a party or member to a number of instruments or arrangements. This paper will look at the beginnings of IUU fishing with the perspective of ASEAN and how Malaysia complement its IUU approach in the South China Sea (SCS). Currently there is no specific IIU fishing policy on SCS but this paper will look at certain general approaches which can be identified and complement for SCS in general. This research concluded that there is a need for continued regulatory framework to address IUU fishing in Malaysia, an effective institutionl structure and compliance agencies are essential for enforecing and coordinating such initiatives and maintaining responsible fishing practices, not only among the local stakeholders but also among their regional counterparts.