CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
June 5 is globally recognized as the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, an initiative led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This day aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to combat harmful fishing practices that threaten marine ecosystems, global food security, and the livelihoods of millions of people reliant on sustainable fisheries.
The 2025 observance is particularly noteworthy as it marks nine years since the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) the first legally binding international treaty targeting IUU fishing officially came into force on June 5, 2016. With over two-thirds of the world’s coastal countries now part of the PSMA, including new signatories like the Marshall Islands, the global fight against illegal fishing has gained stronger momentum. This aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 14, which emphasizes the need to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Understanding IUU Fishing
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is a major threat to marine life and the stability of fisheries:
Illegal Fishing: Conducted without proper licenses or in violation of national or international laws.
Unreported Fishing: Catches that are not declared or are misreported to relevant authorities.
Unregulated Fishing: Often carried out by vessels without nationality or outside the framework of regional or global management.
These activities can occur both in international waters and within exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of coastal nations.
Shocking Global Impact
Between 11 and 26 million tonnes of fish are estimated to be caught through IUU fishing each year.
Annual global economic losses from IUU fishing are projected to be between USD 10 to 23 billion.
Alarmingly, 1 in every 5 fish sold around the world is believed to originate from IUU fishing operations.
International Framework And Efforts
Several international agreements have been adopted to curb IUU fishing:
FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (1995)
A voluntary set of principles to guide sustainable and ethical fishing practices.
Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA, 2009)
The first international treaty with legally enforceable measures against IUU fishing.
Enforced since June 5, 2016, the PSMA enables port authorities to deny entry or access to services to vessels involved in IUU fishing.
It aims to prevent illegally caught fish from entering global markets.
Key Objectives Of Day
Eradicate IUU fishing to ensure sustainable use of marine resources.
Protect food security by preserving fish populations.
Support small-scale and artisanal fishers, who make up nearly 90% of the world’s fisheries workforce.
Promote international coordination for effective surveillance, data exchange, and enforcement.
Background And Recognition
The day was proposed in 2015 by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).
It gained formal endorsement from FAO’s Committee on Fisheries.
The UN General Assembly officially recognized June 5 as the observance day in December 2017.
This initiative aligns with Target 14.4 of SDG 14, which seeks to eliminate IUU fishing and rebuild fish stocks.
Why Combating IUU Fishing Is Crucial
IUU fishing severely undermines:
Biodiversity conservation by disrupting ecosystems.
Legal fishing industries by encouraging unfair competition.
Economic stability in coastal communities and developing nations.
Global efforts to maintain sustainable fisheries and ethical seafood trade.
The Way Forward
Combating IUU fishing demands global cooperation, policy enforcement, and public awareness. By encouraging responsible consumer choices, strengthening marine governance, and enhancing monitoring mechanisms, the international community can ensure a healthier future for oceans and the millions who depend on them.
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