US, EU, and Japan NGOs Call on Nations to Stop Illegal Fishing at Upcoming One Ocean Summit in France
Press Release Date: February 9, 2022
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icampmany_@oceana.org | email: icampmany_@oceana.org | tel.: icampmany_@oceana.org
Brest, France — As heads of state come together for the One Ocean Summit in France, NGOs from across the United States, European Union, and Japan, are calling on their nations – which combined account for more than 55% of all the seafood traded internationally – to prioritize policies to end illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
In the letter, the groups state that “IUU fishing constitutes one of the most serious threats to sustainable fishing and to ocean function and conservation. It directly contributes to overfishing, threatening the sustainability of marine ecosystems and fish populations; undermines coastal communities’ livelihoods and food security; destabilizes the security of maritime states; creates unfair competition for fishers operating legally; and can be associated with human, drugs, and weapons trafficking and labor rights abuses in the seafood sector.”
To read the letter, click here.
IUU fishing is a low-risk, high-reward activity, especially on the high seas where a fragmented legal framework and lack of effective enforcement allow it to thrive. IUU fishing can include fishing without authorization, ignoring catch limits, operating in closed areas, targeting protected wildlife, and fishing with prohibited gear. These illicit activities can destroy essential habitats, severely deplete fish populations, and threaten global food security. These actions not only contribute to overfishing, but also give illegal fishermen an unfair advantage over those who play by the rules.
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one-third of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 225 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and the killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that 1 billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.Oceana.org to learn more.
The World Wildlife Fund is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working for 60 years in nearly 100 countries to help people and nature thrive. With the support of more than 5 million supporters worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment, and combat the climate crisis. Visit worldwildlife.org to learn more; follow @WWFNews on Twitter to keep up with the latest conservation news; and sign up for our newsletter and news alerts here.
