Advancing responsible flag state behaviour

Responsible flag state behaviour is critical to regulating activities on the high seas and ensuring the enforcement of proper management and conservation measures.

WWF, with support from Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, is addressing the use of flags of non-compliance to prevent unregulated and environmentally damaging operations, such as as polluting shipping operations and illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.

By using flags of non-compliance, vessel owners can avoid costs associated with regulated operations and cause extensive damage to the marine environment. Fishing and merchant shipping vessels flying flags of non-compliance often sabotage international conservation and fisheries management efforts, which may in turn threaten the livelihoods of coastal communities.

In 2008, WWF together with the International Transport Workers’ Federation published a report, "Real and Present Danger: Flag State Failure and Maritime Security and Safety." The report states that the increasing use of flags of non-compliance by unscrupulous operators poses a global threat to human welfare and environmental security.

WWF called on governments and the United Nations to set up a diplomatic conference to review the current system of vessel registration. Read more