Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities continue to take a heavy toll on global fisheries, threatening food security, economic stability, and the health of our oceans. In recognition of this urgent issue, the international community observes the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing on 5 June each year. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of combatting IUU fishing and raising awareness about its detrimental impacts.
IUU fishing has devastating consequences, leading to an estimated loss of 11–26 million tonnes of fish annually, valued at a staggering US$10–23 billion, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The relentless pursuit of short-term gains has resulted in overfishing, depletion of fish stocks, destruction of marine habitats, and negative socioeconomic effects on fishing communities.
To address this grave challenge, the international community established Target 4 of Goal 14 within the Sustainable Development Agenda in 2015. The target calls for effective regulation of fishing practices, an end to overfishing, and the eradication of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by 2020. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve these ambitious goals.
The FAO, an active participant in the fight against IUU fishing, recognizes the need for strong awareness-raising efforts. Their objective is to highlight the detrimental impacts of these activities and garner public support for sustainable fishing practices. In pursuit of long-term conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources, the FAO adopted the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries in 1995. This voluntary code establishes principles and international standards to promote responsible practices, ensuring the effective management and development of aquatic resources while preserving ecosystem integrity and biodiversity.
To further combat IUU fishing, the FAO Conference adopted the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing in 2009. This binding agreement sets minimum standards for port states to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing. Remarkably, it became an international treaty on 5 June 2016, marking a historic milestone as the first legally-binding instrument dedicated specifically to the fight against IUU fishing.
The initiative to establish an International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing originated in 2015, when the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean of the FAO proposed the idea. Following extensive consultations, the proposal gained traction and was endorsed by the FAO Committee on Fisheries during its thirty-second session. The date of 5 June was selected to commemorate the official entry into force of the Port State Measures Agreement, signifying a significant step forward in the global fight against IUU fishing.
The proposal was subsequently presented to the 40th Session of the FAO Conference in July 2017, where it received approval. In December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly, through its annual resolution on sustainable fisheries, officially declared 5 June as the “International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.” In the same resolution, the UN also proclaimed 2022 as the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, with a focus on recognizing the vital role played by small-scale fishermen and women who make up 90 percent of the global fisheries workforce.
Every individual has a role to play in promoting sustainable fishing practices and combating IUU fishing. It is estimated that 1 in every 5 fish caught originates from IUU fishing activities. By unknowingly consuming fish obtained through these practices, we become unwitting accomplices in perpetuating an unsustainable and often criminal industry. However, together, we can bring about change. It is essential to support organizations, initiatives, and policies that promote responsible fishing, advocate for stricter regulations, and raise awareness about the devastating impacts of IUU fishing. Only through collective action can we safeguard the future well-being of our planet and ensure the sustainability of our oceans for generations to come.
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