THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ASEAN MARITIME OUTLOOK (AMO) IN OVERCOMING ILLEGAL,UNREPORTED, AND UNREGULATED FISHING WITHIN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION

Abstract

This paper explores the implementation of the ASEAN Maritime Outlook (AMO) in overcoming Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing within the Indo-Pacific region. As a strategic document issued by ASEAN in 2023, the AMO aims to enhance regional maritime cooperation, particularly in surveillance, law enforcement, and sustainable resource management. The Indo-Pacific, rich in marine biodiversity and economic value, has become increasingly vulnerable to IUU fishing, which creates threats to food security, environmental sustainability, and regional stability. Despite ongoing initiatives, IUU fishing remains rampant due to weak enforcement, limited technology, and differing national interests. Using the theory of regionalism, this study analyzes AMO’s function as a non-binding but guiding framework. The study concludes that while AMO has strengthened coordination efforts through joint patrols and surveillance systems, its current limitations demand stronger implementation mechanisms, increased technological investment, and more frequent policy updates to effectively deter IUU fishing in the region.

Keywords: ASEAN Maritime Outlook (AMO), IUU Fishing, Regionalism, Indo-Pacific.