United Nations International Days - International Day against Illegal, Unreported &Unregulated fishing

International Day against Illegal, Unreported &Unregulated fishing

The UN General Assembly in its resolution A/RES/72/72 on sustainable fisheries proclaimed 5 June as the "International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing." In the same resolution the UN also declared 2022 as the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, which will help focus attention on the small-scale fishermen and women who comprise 90 percent of the world's fisheries work force. The Committee on Fisheries endorsed the proposal for the declaration of 5 June as the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. The date of 5 june reflects the day when the Port State Measures Agreement officially entered into force as an international treaty. The entry into force of this agreement marks an historical event, as it is the first international legally-binding instrument specifically devoted to the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

FORUM: Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported & Unregulated 2020 "What is IUU fishing?"

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a broad term that captures a wide variety of fishing activity. IUU fishing is found in all types and dimensions of fisheries; it occurs both on the high seas and in areas within national jurisdiction. It concerns all aspects and stages of the capture and utilization of fish, and it may sometimes be associated with organized crime. IUU fishing undermines national and regional efforts to conserve and manage fish stocks and, as a consequence, inhibits progress towards achieving the goals of long-term sustainability and responsibility.

Celebrating progress on the international day against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing

Global Record of Fishing Vessels, Refrigerated Transport Vessels and Supply Vessels .

A number of tools and initiatives have been developed to combat Iuu fishing and which support the international framework.

These are only a few examples of the numerous efforts taking place worldwide as countries and regions fight against IUU fishing. As a supporter of States in this fight, FAO is continually developing tools to help countries eliminate IUU activities. One such tool in development is a global information exchange system, key to the functioning of the PSMA, allowing countries to exchange information on the compliance of foreign vessels seeking entry and using their ports. Together with the up-and-running Global Record of Fishing Vessels, Refrigerated Transport Vessels and Supply Vessels, a one-stop shop for certified information on vessels, these tools will be indispensable in supporting States to combat IUU fishing.

Through efforts like this international day and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 14 – Conserving Life below Water), there is a growing awareness about this serious issue and international momentum to combat these unsustainable practices.

As many of these efforts illustrate, a strong commitment at the national and regional levels is a critical first step, but effective implementation and enforcement of measures, capacity development and international cooperation are essential in turning the tide against IUU fishing. We are hopeful that every time we mark this international day, we will be a step closer to eliminating IUU fishing.

PUBLICATION: The State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture;

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2018 presents FAO’s official world fishery and aquaculture statistics. Total fish production in 2016 reached an all-time high of 171 million tonnes, of which 88 percent was utilized for direct human consumption. This production resulted in a record-high per capita consumption of 20.3 kg in 2016. Since 1961 the annual global growth in fish consumption has been twice as high as population growth, demonstrating that the fisheries sector is crucial in meeting FAO’s goal of a world without hunger and malnutrition.