International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing is observed each year across the world on June 5. On this day, the focus is to make fishing sustainable so that the marine ecosystem is not deprived of its living creatures. This day reminds us to keep in check the unsustainable practices that threaten local biodiversity and food security in many places around the world. Along with advocating for a greener future, the event also works towards an equal future where nobody is hungry and people can continue to depend on marine life for livelihood.
History of International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
Fisheries are a vital source of food, employment, recreation, trade, and economic resources for people across the world. As many as 820 million people depend on fisheries and aquaculture for food and income. However, efforts by the international community to ensure the sustainability of fisheries are seriously in danger due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities.
According to the World Trade Organization, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing can be referred to as fishing activities conducted in violation of national, regional, and international laws. These are fishing activities that are not regulated by states and cannot be easily monitored and accounted for.
The International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing builds on global efforts to foster long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources. The United Nations celebrated the first International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in 2018. On this day, the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (I.P.O.A.) was recognized as an international treaty. This was, of course, a historical event, as it was the first international measure devoted to the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (I.U.U.) fishing. The day is an opportunity to draw attention to the threats posed by I.U.U..fishing activities to the sustainable use of fishery resources. The day also brings to focus the ongoing efforts to fight these activities. With joint efforts of individuals and public organizations, it won’t be long before I.U.U. fishing becomes a thing of the past.
International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing timeline
Fishing first begins in Eastern Asia.
This technique is still in practice.
It is developed in England.
The practice is especially popular in Maine, U.S.
International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing FAQs
Is there a law to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing?
The World Trade Organization wrote up a treaty called the International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. It provides all states with comprehensive, effective, and transparent measures by which to act, including through appropriate regional fisheries management organizations established in accordance with international law.
Which country fishes illegally the most?
A new index ranking vulnerability to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by country has listed China as having the highest I.U.U. potential.
What are the causes of illegal fishing?
Some causes include having inadequate rules regarding fishing practices, which encourages fishing fleets to bypass areas that do have regulations. This is the case in most international waters.
How to Observe International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
Join an awareness program
Observe International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing by joining an awareness program. This is a great way to understand marine life and sustainable fishing.
Go fishing
You can also celebrate International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing by going fishing! However, remember to only access water bodies where fishing is allowed.
Spread the word
You can inform more people about International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing by posting about the holiday on your social media accounts.
5 Interesting Facts About Fishing
There are two types of fishing
These are sports fishing and commercial fishing.
Full-time fishing is a profession
There are 21 million full-time fishermen around the world.
China has the world’s largest fishing industry
The next-biggest fishing industries are those of Peru, Japan, and the U.S.
Fishing is expensive
The expenditures of the fishing industry per year amount to around $42.2 billion.
It is a popular outdoor activity
Fishing is the most popular outdoor activity in the U.S.
Why International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing is Important
Creating a sustainable future
The aim of the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing is to promote a sustainable future. It aims to support human needs as well as the marine ecosystem.
Ensuring food security
International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing ensures that fishing is not done recklessly. Everyone should get a fair share of the catch, thus promoting food security.
Preserving marine life
The ultimate goal is to preserve marine life that is otherwise endangered and faces threats of extinction. A noble cause if ever we saw one.
International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | June 5 | Thursday |
2026 | June 5 | Friday |
2027 | June 5 | Saturday |
2028 | June 5 | Monday |
2029 | June 5 | Tuesday |