International Day Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Observed

Kathmandu. Today, 'International Day Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing' is being observed in various countries around the world, emphasizing the sustainable conservation of marine resources by raising public awareness against illegal, unverified, and irregular fishing.

The objective of this day, observed every year on June 5 at the call of the United Nations, is to draw the attention of the world community against illegal, unverified, and irregular fishing activities, which are a challenge to marine biodiversity, food security, and sustainable management of fishery resources.

This day was initiated in 2015 and the General Assembly approved the proposal of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in July 2017.

According to FAO, the Committee on Fisheries approved the proposal to declare June 5 as the 'International Day Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing'. June 5 was chosen in remembrance of the day the 'Port State Measures Agreement' was formally implemented as an international treaty.

Through the same proposal, the General Assembly also declared 2022 as the 'International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture'. This initiative helped to highlight the contribution of the fishing community and women, who constitute about 90 percent of those working in the fisheries sector worldwide.

According to the United Nations, illegal, unverified, and irregular fishing not only negatively impacts marine ecosystems but also poses challenges to the livelihoods of communities operating legally in the fishing business and to global food security. Therefore, FAO has expressed confidence that the day will inspire to make international cooperation more effective for the conservation, sustainable use of marine resources, and keeping them safe for future generations.