APEC Project Database

Project Title

Enhancing sustainability management of shark’s trade in the APEC Region through digital technology and innovation to prevent and deter Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing

Project Year

2025

Project Number

OFWG_201_2025A

Project Session

Session 2

Project Type

Standard

Project Status

Project in Implementation

Project No.

OFWG_201_2025A

Project Title

Enhancing sustainability management of shark’s trade in the APEC Region through digital technology and innovation to prevent and deter Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing

Project Status

Project in Implementation

Fund Account

APEC Support Fund

Sub-fund

ASF: Innovative Development, Economic Reform and Growth (IERG)

Project Year

2025

Project Session

Session 2

APEC Funding

88,289

Co-funding Amount

5,000

Total Project Value

93,289

Sponsoring Forum

Oceans and Fisheries Working Group (OFWG)

Topics

Fisheries

Committee

SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE)

Other Fora Involved

Other Non-APEC Stakeholders Involved

Proposing Economy(ies)

Peru

Co-Sponsoring Economies

Canada; Korea; Mexico; Philippines

Expected Start Date

01/03/2026

Expected Completion Date

30/06/2027

Project Proponent Name 1

Heberton Lopez Davila

Job Title 1

Director of Supervision and Enforcement of Fisheries and Aquaculture

Organization 1

Ministry of Production

Telephone 1

+5116162222

Email 1

hlopez@produce.gob.pe

Project Proponent Name 2

Karl Pavel Alvarez Huaman

Job Title 2

Not Applicable

Organization 2

Ministry of Production

Telephone 2

Not Applicable

Email 2

kalvarez@produce.gob.pe

Declaration

Heberton Lopez Davila

Project Summary

The project aims to improve the capacities of APEC economies in order to enhance the management of the marine resources sustainability in the framework of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), specifically about trade of sharks in the local markets using digital technology and innovation.

Likewise, the regulation of shark trade has taken on great importance, so much so that in recent years the registration of shark species in the CITES appendices has increased, in that sense, upon detecting that there are physical traceability mechanisms that can

facilitate the generation of document falsification or others, it is sought to digitize said mechanisms in order to strengthen the accreditation of the legal origin of the hydrobiological resource Shark, for this purpose it is planned to carry out a survey that will compile information regarding the reality of the APEC member economies regarding the traceability mechanisms for this resource, which may be presented to the other economies during the workshop promoted as part of the Project.

The exchange of experiences will include participants from government, private sector and NGOs to obtain various implementation ideas. Also, the work will include a remote survey with APEC government agencies on traceability and reducing Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU). The results of the survey will serve as a reference for the implementation of such Systems in APEC economies. This project supports the APEC Roadmap to Combat IUU Fishing and the Blue Economy in the framework of the APEC Accord on Innovative Development, Economic Reform and Growth.

Relevance

Region

Currently, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, underminethe sustainability of marine resources and food security.

There is also a growingrecognition of the biological and commercial vulnerability of shark species, in that sense the projectseeks to increasecooperation among APEC economies to strengthen key issues of management of fisheries and aquaculture activities in the framework of the IUU fishing roadmap.

Eligibility and Fund Priorities

Drawing on the direction set in the APEC Accord on Innovative Development, Economic Reform and Growth (IERG), this project is eligible for the IERG Sub-Fund, because it contributes to the priorities of “Implementing APEC Initiatives on Blue Economy cooperation”, by contributing to sustainable management and conservation of ocean and coastal resources, to foster economic growth for artisanal fishers, which will, in turn, also contribute to “overcoming the Middle-Income Trap” in vulnerable communities of APEC economies..

The project also aligns with the APEC Accord on Innovative Development, Economic Reform and Growth, by contributing to the Economic Reform priority, since traceability systems can improve regulatory coherence and good regulatory practices in the fisheries sector, which can lead to a better regulated market.

By combating IUU fishing, the project supports food security in the APEC region by contributing to the protection of fish stocks and ensuring sustainable access to hydrobiological resources. It also helps to protect the livelihoods of legitimate fishers and communities that depend on these resources. The development and implementation of a fisheries traceability system involves technology transfer, dissemination and commercialization, which requires economies to promote Innovative Growth. Traceability systems also contribute to Secure Trade by providing consumers with confidence in the

origin and safety of seafood products, and by preventing illegally caught fish from entering the supply chain.

Capacity Building

Through the project, it is expected to increase knowledge on the adaptive capacity of APEC economies

for the management of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the face IUU fishing, through a face-to-face workshop. Exchanging experiences in developing and implementing fisheries traceability systems enables APEC economies to improve their skills and knowledge.

The project directly addresses a critical challenge faced by many APEC economies, since IUU fishing undermines sustainable fisheries management, depletes fish stocks, harms marine ecosystems, and negatively impacts the livelihoods of fishing communities. By strengthening traceability systems, the project enhances the ability of APEC economies to combat IUU fishing effectively.

The project facilitates the sharing of expertise among APEC developed and developing economies. Economies with advanced traceability systems can share their knowledge and best practices with those that are still looking to improve their systems and, by contributing the development of long- term strategic policies, the project assists APEC economies in developing long-term initiatives for fisheries management and combating IUU fishing.

Objectives

The objective is to improve the traceability of hydrobiological resources or products related to the trade of sharks, using digital technology and innovation in order to combat Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in APEC economies,., where artisanal fishers work; by exchanging experiences of traceability systems and tools in fishing, to strengthen knowledgeand skills to improve economies’ policies and regulations; and contribute to the implementation of the APEC Roadmap to combat IUU Fishing and the APEC Accord on Innovative Development, Economic Reform and Growth, while addressing APEC-wide challenges, such as managing sustainability of natural resources and improving its governance, as well as promoting the Blue Economy.

Alignment

Beneficiaries and Outputs

Output

1) Survey Report on Digital Traceability of Shark Trade in APEC Economies

An online survey conducted among APEC government agencies related to fisheries management and aquaculture, focusing on traceability mechanisms and digital technologies to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The survey will collect comparable information on existing legal frameworks, digital traceability tools, data exchange and key enforcement challenges related to shark trade and IUU fishing.”

To mitigate the risk of low response rates, survey findings will be complemented by a desk review of relevant APEC, FAO, CITES and RFMO documentation, as well as selected case studies presented during the Workshop

The survey will be distributed electronically to all APEC economies through OFWG focal points

Target respondents include government officials and technical officers responsible for fisheries management, trade control, CITES implementation and digital traceability systems.

Survey findings will be analysed and used as a technical input for the Workshop discussions. The consolidated results will be presented as a dedicated section within the Final Project Report (APEC Publication). No standalone survey publication will be produced.

2) 2-Day Workshop in Peru

The Workshop will include economy presentations by participating APEC economies, focusing on their national experiences related to shark trade management, legal and institutional frameworks, existing traceability systems, ongoing initiatives and future plans to strengthen digital tools to combat IUU fishing.

As the host economy, Peru will also deliver technical presentations through relevant national institutions, such as the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Health Authority (SANIPES) and the Peruvian Marine Research Institute (IMARPE), to share practical experiences and lessons learned in shark trade monitoring and traceability.

The Workshop sessions will be moderated by the contracted consultant, who will act as a technical facilitator to guide discussions, ensure coherence between sessions, support interactive exchanges among economies and assist in consolidating key findings and recommendations for inclusion in the Final Project Report.

Tentative Agenda

Workshop on Digital Traceability of Shark Trade in APEC Economies Day 1 – Experiences on Shark Trade Traceability in APEC Economies

09:00 – 09:20

Opening Session

Welcome remarks by the host economy (Peru) and introduction to the objectives of the workshop.

09:20 – 10:00

Session 1 – Introductory Presentation

Overview of shark trade management, traceability challenges and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the APEC region. (Presentation by the project consultant.)

10:00 – 10:30

Coffee Break

10:30 – 12:30

Session 2 – Economy Presentations

APEC economies present their national experiences related to shark trade monitoring, traceability systems and enforcement challenges.

12:30 – 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00 – 15:30

Session 3 – Economy Presentations (continued)

Additional presentations by APEC economies on regulatory frameworks, monitoring systems and traceability tools related to shark trade.

15:30 – 16:00

Coffee Break

16:00 – 17:00

Session 4 – Discussion

Exchange of views among participants on common challenges and opportunities for strengthening shark trade traceability systems in APEC economies.

Day 2 – Survey Findings and Regional Perspectives 09:00 – 10:00

Session 5 – Presentation of Survey Results

Presentation of the main findings from the survey on digital traceability systems for shark trade in APEC economies.

(Presentation by the project consultant.)

10:00 – 10:30

Coffee Break

10:30 – 12:00

Session 6 – Discussion on Survey Findings

Participants discuss the survey results and share additional perspectives on challenges and experiences related to shark trade traceability.

12:00 – 13:30

Lunch Break

13:30 – 15:00

Session 7 – Regional Cooperation on Shark Trade and CITES-listed Species Open discussion among participants on challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation related to the management and traceability of shark species listed under CITES, including issues related to international trade, monitoring and information exchange.

15:00 – 15:30

Coffee Break

15:30 – 16:30

Session 8 – Summary of Key Findings

Summary of the main findingsand key issues identified duringthe workshop discussions.

16:30 – 17:00

Closing Session

Final remarks and closing of the workshop.

3) Final Project Report (APEC Publication)

The Final Project Report will summarize the key findings of the survey and the discussions held during the two-day workshop. The report will include a synthesis of experiences shared by APEC economies, a summary of the key presentations and discussions, identification of best practices and minimum four policy recommendations derived from the survey findings and workshop discussions to support the strengthening of digital traceability systems for shark trade and efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The Final Project Report will be 15–20 pages in length (excluding annexes) and will compile the key findings of the workshop and the outcomes of the survey. It is intended exclusively as an APEC publication to inform policymakers and competent authorities. The report will be uploaded to the APEC website following the standard publication process.

The results of the virtual survey will be compiled and presented as a dedicated section within the Final Project Report; no stand-alone survey report will be produced.

Outcome

1) Enhanced understanding of the current status, challenges, and opportunities regarding digital traceability systems in APEC economies, providing a baseline for future cooperation and capacity-building actions.

2) Strengthened technical and institutional capacities of APEC participants through knowledge sharing and peer learning.

3) Improved regional cooperation and networking among economies to jointly address IUU fishing and promote sustainable shark trade.

4) Availability of a reference document to guide policy formulation and capacity-building initiatives across APEC economies. The report will support evidence-based policymaking and promote alignment with the APEC Roadmap on Combatting IUU Fishing and the Blue Economy framework.

Beneficiaries

Primary Beneficiaries: government officials and technical officers responsible for fisheries management, enforcement, customs and traceability systems.

Secondary Beneficiaries: fishers, traders, processors, academia and NGOs benefiting indirectly from improved traceability frameworks.

Dissemination

The survey will be shared via email or online survey platform with APEC economies.

In the in-person meeting, the contributions and comments received by the representatives of the government agencies in charge of the development and implementation of the fisheries and aquaculture traceability systems of the APEC economies will be consolidated and shared; as well as the workshop for the final project report that will be an APEC publication. The target audience is government personnel, policy-making professionals, academics, NGO researchers and actors in the fishing activity; The final project report will be uploaded on APEC website and can be linked to other websites. The publication will follow APEC editorial and quality assurance processes.

Gender

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Work Plan

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Risks

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Linkages

In Peru, the National Authority for Fisheries and Aquaculture Health (SANIPES), the Peruvian Marine Institute (IMARPE), among other institutions of the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector, will participate as experts in the workshop. It is expected that similar entities from other APEC economies participate as well.

Likewise, the project will promote the participation of APEC fora such as the PPFS and the SMEWG, as well as representatives from international and private sector organizations that seek to strengthen cooperation to increase adaptive capacity for the management of fisheries and aquaculture in the face of IUU fishing. Representatives from PPFS and SMEWG will be invited to participate in the survey and to attend the workshop, where they will be able to share perspectives related to seafood value chains, trade and the role of small and medium enterprises in fisheries supply chains.

Sustainability

The development and implementation of digital traceability systems for shark products regulated under CITES is of great interest to APEC economies, as it allows the identification of the products’ origin, their movement through the supply chain, and their final destination, either for domestic consumption, export, or inclusion in other industrial processes.

APEC is the most appropriate forum to support this project, as it promotes the exchange of successful experiences among economies that have implemented innovative digital solutions for traceability and sustainable fisheries management. The knowledge generated through this initiative will strengthen the capacities of APEC economies—particularly developing ones—to enhance the governance and transparency of shark trade and combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Furthermore, this work will contribute to the implementation of the APEC Roadmap on Combatting IUU Fishing and the APEC Blue Economy initiatives, by improving coordination among economies and promoting the use of digital tools to ensure sustainable and legal trade of marine resources.

The Ministry of Production (Peru) will maintain active participation in the Oceans and Fisheries Working Group (OFWG) to continue strengthening digital traceability systems and sharing experiences with other APEC economies, even after the project’s completion.

Direct Labour

Please see Project Proposal in Supporting Documents folder.

Are there any supporting document attached?

Yes

Project No.
Project Title
Project Status
Fund Account
Sub-fund
Project Year
Project Session
APEC Funding
Co-funding Amount
Total Project Value
Sponsoring Forum
Topics
Committee
Other Fora Involved
Other Non-APEC Stakeholders Involved
Proposing Economy(ies)
Co-Sponsoring Economies
Expected Start Date
Expected Completion Date
Project Proponent Name 1
Job Title 1
Organization 1
Telephone 1
Email 1
Project Proponent Name 2
Job Title 2
Organization 2
Telephone 2
Email 2
Declaration
Project Summary
Relevance
Objectives
Alignment
Beneficiaries and Outputs
Dissemination
Gender
Work Plan
Risks
Monitoring and Evaluation
Linkages
Sustainability
Direct Labour
Are there any supporting document attached?
hdFldAdmin
Project Number
Previous Fora
Secretariat Comments
Reprogramming Notes
Consolidated QAF
Endorsement By Fora
PD Sign Off
Batch
Forum Priority
Committee Ranking Category
Committee Priority
PDM Priority
Priority Within Funding Category
Monitoring Report Received
Completion Report Received
PMU Field 1
PMU Field 2
PMU Field 3
On Behalf Of
Proposal Status
Originating Sub-Forum
Approval Status
Attachments

Content Type: Standard Proposal