Fishing is a fantastic pastime that has been enjoyed by humans for centuries. However, with increasing demand for seafood and declining fish stocks, it has become essential to regulate fishing activities. In international waters, fishing is regulated by international agreements and bodies to ensure sustainable fishing practices and the prevention of overfishing.
International waters are governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS has established regulations for countries that require them to manage and conserve the living resources within their exclusive economic zones (EEZs). However, fishing in international waters outside EEZs is not subject to these regulations. Therefore, it requires a unique approach to monitor and regulate fishing activities in these areas.
The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) are two examples of international regulatory bodies. These organizations regulate fisheries operating in a specified area and follow strict regulations governing fishing techniques, gear types, species quotas, and other related matters.
The catch of the fish that migrates across continental shelves and across the borders of countries are regulated by regional fisheries management organisations (RFMO). RFMOs are composed of representatives from several countries, and their primary objective is to manage and conserve marine living resources in their respective zones of regulatory authority.
Some of the regulations imposed by RFMOs include the specification of fishing gear types; strict catch limits on species such as tuna, swordfish, and sharks; and the requirement for scientific assessments to be conducted to determine the health and abundance of the fish population.
Additionally, there are international conventions such as the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). This convention has established mechanisms to manage and protect the Antarctic marine ecosystem, including the regulation of fishing activities in this area.
RFMOs and conventions often rely on satellite technology and onboard observers to collect up-to-date data, monitor fishing activities, and ensure compliance to regulations. By detecting and preventing illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing activities, these regulatory bodies ensure responsible fishing operations to safeguard marine life and maintain the sustainability of the oceans.
Fishing regulations in international waters are put in place to ensure sustainable fishing practices and the preservation of biodiversity. The key to success is cooperation between the different regulatory bodies, plus the shared understanding of the importance of protecting our oceans.