UNFSA: Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the UNCLOS Relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks

The Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the UNCLOS Relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (referred to as the UN Fish Stocks Agreement or UNFSA) entered into force in 2001. Building on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), it sets out a legal framework for protecting and managing straddling fish stocks (i.e. fish stocks that straddle the boundary between the exclusive economic zone of a country and areas beyond it, including cod, halibut, pollock, jack mackerel and squid) and migratory fish stocks (e.g. tuna, swordfish, and sharks). The provisions of UNFSA are based on the precautionary principle and the United Nations General Assembly has encouraged countries to extend the principles of UNFSA to all fish stocks in the High Seas or deep ocean. UNFSA highlights regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) as the main vehicle for states to cooperate in regional fisheries management for fish stocks that straddle or migrate through the waters of multiple countries and / or areas beyond national jurisdiction. UNFSA further sets out provisions to support international and inter-agency cooperation to support implementation and enforcement of measures, and to facilitate port state measures and vessel inspections. For information on UNFSA provided by FAO, click here. (https://www.fao.org/iuu-fishing/international-framework/un-fish-stocks-agreement/en/)