1 of every 5 fish is caught illegally or unreported

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a global problem that affects the sustainability of fishery resources and, therefore, affects the livelihoods of populations and the economies of countries. Although Latin America has made great progress, the percentage of ocean that remains to be protected in this region is still 76.4%, according to the United Nations Statistics Division.  

IUU refers to practices that violate national and international laws and regulations, including fishing without permits, non-reporting of catches and non-compliance with fisheries conservation and management measures. IUU is estimated to be responsible for the loss of 11 to 26 million tons of fish annually, which equates to an estimated economic value of US$ 10 to US$ 23 billion.   

IUU practices involve overfishing: 30% of the world's fish population is being caught above the permitted level. This contributes to the scarcity of certain species, which in turn affects small-scale fishers, who make up 90% of the world's fishing workforce. In addition, overfishing jeopardizes the survival of other species that depend on specific seafood.    

In December 2017, the UN General Assembly proclaimed June 5 the International Day for Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. This date reflects the day on which the Agreement on Port State Measures officially entered into force as an international treaty. The agreement was the first legally binding international instrument specifically dedicated to combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.  

  

Characteristics of IUU Fishing  

  • Illegal Fishing: Fishing in waters under the jurisdiction of a State without permission or in contravention of its laws, or by vessels flying the flag of States that are parties to a competent regional fisheries management organization but violate the conservation and management measures adopted by that organization.  
  • Unreported Fishing: Has not been reported or has been reported inaccurately to the competent national authority.  
  • Unregulated Fishing: Not in accordance with conservation and management measures for living marine resources under international law. 

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