Aquatic food systems play a crucial role in global food security and nutrition by supporting human well-being and the lives and livelihoods of billions of people, in particular coastal and riparian communities vulnerable to poverty and malnutrition. However, the fisheries sector faces numerous challenges, including overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. IUU fishing not only harms the environment but also undermines the livelihoods of fishermen and the overall economy, posing a significant threat to fisheries sustainability and marine ecosystem health. Despite efforts to address these issues, IUU fishing remains a significant problem, it is estimated that one in every five fish caught globally each year originate from IUU fishing. In recent years, the framework of international instruments and tools governing fisheries has been emerging, outlining the responsibilities of states, regional fisheries management organizations, and other stakeholders in conserving and sustainably using marine resources. The FAO Agreement on Port States Measures (PSMA) is the first legally binding instrument to specifically target IUU fishing. Furthermore, the recent Agreement by WTO Members to eliminate the most harmful fisheries subsidies indicates the willingness and growing desire to stop illegal and unsustainable practices.
With this background, this session of FAO in Geneva Fisheries Trade Talks will focus on IUU fishing and the role of international instruments in combating IUU fishing, including the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
