2023-06-01 17:16:22
The background of this celebration dates back to 2015 when the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) proposed an initiative to establish an International Day dedicated to combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, within the framework of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean.
After several exhaustive consultations, the proposal was presented during the XXXII Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI). The Committee on Fisheries supported the idea of ​​designating the June 5 as the International Day to Combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishingcommemorating the entry into force of the Agreement on Port State Measures as an international treaty. This agreement is a historic milestone, as it is the first legally binding measure specifically dedicated to combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. In July 2017, the draft resolution was submitted to the XL Session of the FAO Fisheries Committee (COFI) for approval and finally in December 2017. 2017, The UN General Assembly, in its annual resolution on sustainable fishing, officially proclaimed this international day that is celebrated on June 5.
What is illegal fishing and why is it so harmful?
Illegal fishing encompasses those activities that transgress the regulations established in a fishery, either through the lack of declaration of the catches or by operating in unregulated fishing areas, where no one exercises proper management. That is why we are talking about illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (known by its acronym in English as IUU, for its Regulation for the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing).
These practices deplete fish stocks and represent one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems, undermining efforts to achieve sustainable fisheries management.
In fact, some fisheries are on the brink of collapse. 34.2% of fish stocks are overexploited56.9% corresponds to its capacity and 6.2% is below it, according to the latest data from FAO.
One in 5 fish caught in the world is illegal
According to the FAO, one in 5 fish that are caught in the world come from illegal fishing. Annually, it is estimated that they are caught illegally between 11 and 26 million tons of fish worldwidewhich results in economic losses that oscillate between 10,000 and 23,500 million dollars for the global economy. These figures represent approximately 13-31% of the total reported production of fishery products globally, reaching 40% in some regions.
The European Union is the world’s largest importer of seafood
In 2022, on the occasion of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, the European Union, in which it is estimated that approximately 15% of fishing is illegal, presented a report to analyze the fishing situation in the member states.
The European Union (EU) plays a significant role globally in the field of fisheries. It has one of the largest fishing fleets in the worldmade up of approx. 79,000 vesselsand represents the 6% of world fish production through their captures. The fishing sector directly employs 129,540 fishermen and generates annual revenues of 6.3 billion euros. Spain, Denmark, France and the Netherlands are the leading member states in terms of volume in the fish market. The EU consumes far more fishery products than it catches or farms, and imports 60% of the products consumed to meet demand. This makes her the world’s largest importer of fishery products (34% of total world trade measured by value).
Tuna, cod, hake, shark and reef fish, among the most threatened
Tuna, especially bluefin tuna, is a species that faces high pressure from illegal fishing due to its high commercial value and demand in the international market. Cod and hake are other species that are affected by illegal fishing in various regions. Many shark species are also targeted for illegal fishing for their fins, which are highly valued in the shark fin trade. The practice of finning and discarding shark carcasses has led to declines in shark populations around the world.
Reef fish, such as groupers and parrotfish, are victims of illegal fishing due to their appeal in the aquarium market and upscale restaurants. The unregulated and destructive harvest of these species can have serious consequences for the ecosystems of Coral reefs. Plant-eating fish play a crucial role in the balance of ecosystems by feeding on aquatic plants, thus maintaining the health of coral reefs and the growth of algae. However, overfishing of these herbivores, either intentionally or as bycatch, can weaken reefs and make them more vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events and climate change. In addition, fishing gear and debris can cause physical damage to delicate corals, which are the building blocks of reefs.
Other species like halibut, redfish, prawns, European sole, mantas and rays, swordfish, flounder, anglerfish or Atlantic salmon are also in danger according to the latest list produced by Greenpeace.
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