United Nations Radio

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has approved a new treaty aimed at closing fishing ports to ships involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, known as IUU.

Ship coming into port

The first ever international treaty focused specifically on this problem, it will also be the only one to enlist so-called "non-flag states" in the fight against illegal fishing alongside flag states that are primarily responsible for the conduct of vessels flying their flags on the high seas. Under the treaty, foreign fishing vessels wishing to dock will be required to request permission from designated ports ahead of time, transmitting information on their activities and the fish they have on board.

Reviews of ship papers, surveys of fishing gear, examining catches and checking a ship's records can often reveal if it has engaged in IUU fishing.

When a vessel is denied access, port states must communicate that information publicly and national authorities whose flag the vessel is flying must take follow-up action.

The first eleven members to sign the treaty following its approval by FAO are Angola, Brazil, Chile, the European Commission, Indonesia, Iceland, Norway, Samoa, Sierra Leone, the United States and Uruguay.

The "Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing" will enter into force once 25 countries have ratified it.

 Diane Bailey, United Nations Radio
(duration: 1'37")