Strengthening Marine Resource Governance: Tackling IUU Fishing in Taiwan Through Circular Economy and Regulatory Innovation

This study examines Taiwan’s multifaceted efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a challenge that gained urgency following the European Union’s yellow card warning. Central reforms—including gear tagging initiatives, buy-back programs, and strengthened enforcement mechanisms—aim to address illegal catches, gear laundering, and fleet overcapacity while simultaneously promoting circular economy principles in fisheries governance. The research employs Fisheries Agency data (2022–2024) on gear tagging, returns, recovered volumes, and recycling rates, combined with stakeholder interviews and market analysis of recycled fishing gear materials, to highlight the complex relationship between IUU practices and abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG). A “follow-the-plastic” methodology, adapted from waste-tracing studies, is introduced to trace gear throughout its lifecycle from production to disposal, identifying leakage points linked to IUU activities. Policy effectiveness is critically evaluated, revealing persistent regulatory gaps, weak market incentives for recycling, and barriers to private-sector participation. The study proposes a conceptual framework that demonstrates how circular economy strategies can complement traditional enforcement by reducing gear loss, enhancing traceability, and improving compliance. Findings emphasize that international cooperation, adaptive governance, and local community engagement are essential to achieving sustainable fisheries. Taiwan’s experience suggests that coupling IUU enforcement with circular economy innovations provides a practical pathway to reduce ALDFG, strengthen marine biodiversity conservation, and foster environmentally sustainable resource use. The study concludes that integrated governance, combining legal enforcement with economic and social instruments, is vital for long-term marine ecosystem protection and resilience.