(VALLETTA) - The European Union is to step up measures against illegal fishing "from net to plate," EU Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg said on Thursday.

Some three-quarters of the world's fish stocks are over-exploited, Borg told a meeting in Malta's capital Valletta, adding: "It is precisely these species that are usually targetted" by illegal, unreported and unregistered fishing.

A proposed new regulation involves a "catch certification scheme (that) will ensure full control of the trade of fishery products," Borg said.

Acknowledging the situation of non-EU countries, Borg said the proposed regulation "includes provisions to strengthen the capacity and the means of these states to have better management and monitoring of fishing activities taking place in their waters."

The commission will take steps to help third countries deal with the costs involved, he said.

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