This course introduces the cross-sectoral legal foundations of the Voluntary Guidelines on the Marking of Fishing Gear (VGMFG), drawing on international frameworks for environmental protection, fisheries management and maritime governance.
It examines the roles and responsibilities of flag, port and coastal States, and the key international instruments relevant to fishing gear marking and marine plastic litter. The course also explores how these legal and policy frameworks collectively support the implementation of the VGMFG, including measures to address pollution from vessels, dumping at sea and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU) fishing.
This course is intended for:
- Fishery managers, including government officials, policy advisors and heads of delegation to RFMO meetings.
- Commercial, recreational and artisanal fishers, and fishing cooperatives.
- Staff members of regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs).
- Staff members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Fishing industry in general.
- The cross-sectoral nature of marine plastic litter and fishing gear marking.
- The roles of flag, port and coastal States.
- Key international instruments relevant to fishing gear marking.
- Measures to prevent pollution from vessels and dumping at sea.
- How international frameworks support implementation of the VGMFG.
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Digital certification
This course offers certification. You will get your digital badge upon passing a final exam after completing the course and achieving a grade of at least 75%. Please click on the button below to complete the exam, or refer to our Certification section to learn more.
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