The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAI) has decried illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the world’s oceans.
According to the FAO, aquatic resources are destroyed.
“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems due to its potent ability to undermine national and regional efforts to manage fisheries sustainably as well as endeavours to conserve marine biodiversity,” lamented the FAO via Twitter.
1 fish out of 5 comes from Illegal, unreported & unregulated fishing. #IUUFishing doesn't care about our oceans.
Our choices can make a difference to #FIghtIUUFishing.
Sustainable fishing starts with us!#COFI35
— Food and Agriculture Organization (@FAO) September 9, 2022
It further noted that IUU fishing takes advantage of corrupt administrations and exploits weak management regimes, in particular those of developing countries lacking the capacity and resources for effective monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS).
“IUU fishing is found in all types and dimensions of fisheries; it occurs both on the high seas and in areas within national jurisdiction.
“It concerns all aspects and stages of the capture and utilization of fish, and it may sometimes be associated with organized crime.
“Fisheries resources available to bona fide fishers are removed by IUU fishing, which can lead to the collapse of local fisheries, with small-scale fisheries in developing countries proving particularly vulnerable,” said the FAO.
The FAO worried that products derived from IUU fishing can find their way into overseas trade markets thus throttling local food supply.
“IUU fishing, therefore, threatens livelihoods, exacerbates poverty, and augments food insecurity,” it further emphasized while advocating sustainable fishing.
