International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
The global community observes the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing on June 5, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017.
IUU fishing is a multifaceted issue with environmental, economic, and social implications worldwide. So, this awareness day urges us to pool together collaborative efforts and join discussions to address unregulated fishing. Read on for more information.
Featured in June - Awareness Months, Days & Observances.
Key Info: International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
- When is International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing?
Occurs annually on the 5th of June - This Year (2026):
Friday, June 5, 2026 - Official Website: FAO IUU Fishing Portal
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Future Dates
- Saturday, June 5, 2027
- Monday, June 5, 2028
- Tuesday, June 5, 2029
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Additional Details
- Observed By: UN member states, fishing industry stakeholders, maritime authorities, and conservation organizations
- Where Is It Observed: International
- Primary Theme: Sustainable Fisheries Management
- Hashtags: #IUUFishing #FightIUU #SustainableFishing #SDG14 #SaveOurOceans
Quick links: International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
Why the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Matters
Fishing has evolved from using rudimentary tools for gathering food from the water's edge to today's various fishing techniques, such as netting, angling, and trawling. Today, it is a leading industry that affects employment, trade, and the economy, particularly in developing nations.
Habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change are some of the challenges it is going through. The focus of this global day is the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing.
Fisheries provide not only food but also employment, but they can deplete marine biodiversity when unchecked. Combating IUU fishing requires limited resources for surveillance and enforcement, widespread corruption, and a lack of international cooperation.
In particular, developing nations are affected by IUU fishing due to their reliance on fishing for income and protein and their limited capacity for effective monitoring and enforcement.
The day aims to garner support for stricter law enforcement and even enhanced regulations outside the jurisdiction of regional fisheries management organizations.
Data and Statistics
An early estimate from 2000-2003 states that the global annual loss due to IUU fishing amounts to 11 to 26 million tonnes of fish, valued at USD 10 to 23.5 billion. From 2005-2014, the annual value of illegal captures was USD 9 to 17 billion.
One out of five catches are from IUU fishing, and in some areas, it can go up to 50%.
A study surveying 792 ports linked 41% of them with labor abuse and 48% with IUU fishing.
Effects of IUU Fishing
- Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing leads to the extinction of certain marine creatures. Bycatch or accidental catching affects species such as sharks and sea turtles.
- IUU fishing destabilizes the food chain, affecting the survival of other aquatic organisms.
- It creates unfair competition, reducing the income of those who follow sustainable fishing practices.
- It can cause marine pollution. Illegal fishers typically use destructive fishing methods and discard waste into the ocean.
- IUU fishing reduces fish stocks faster than they can be replenished, compromising the available food source for millions worldwide. To counter this imbalance, fisheries must restore fish stocks to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics.
IUU Fishing Timeline
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) established the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, highlighting the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing issue.
The FAO developed the International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IPOA-IUU), a comprehensive tool to combat IUU fishing.
The FAO adopted the Model Scheme on Port State Measures, which aims to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing through the adoption and implementation of effective port state measures.
The FAO Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) was adopted, the first binding international agreement specifically targeting IUU fishing.
The PSMA entered into force, significantly boosting global efforts to eliminate IUU fishing. The UN also adopted the Sustainable Development Agenda, whose Goal 14 urges the international community to “effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices.”
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) recognized the severity of IUU fishing and its detrimental effects on the sustainability of fish stocks, livelihoods, and marine ecosystems.
The UNGA adopted A/RES/72/72, officially establishing June 5 as the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.
Hashtags For The Fight Against IUU
Spread the word about the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing on social media using the following hashtags:
- #FightIllegalFishing
- #SustainableSeafood
- #IUUFishing
- #ProtectOurOceans
- #InternationalDayAgainstIUUFishing
Conclusion
The International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing aims to address the negative impacts of these practices on marine ecosystems and communities dependent on fisheries.
Eliminating it takes collective action from policymakers to consumers. Let’s start by spreading the message of this day.
Resources:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
IUU fishing activities refer to fishing techniques and methods that violate laws and regulations, often leading to unsustainable practices and threats to marine ecosystems.
IUU fishing undermines national and regional efforts, threatens marine biodiversity, contributes to overfishing, and impacts local fishing communities' livelihoods and food security.
It results in significant economic losses for legitimate fishing industries, reduces government revenue from fisheries, and hampers efforts to achieve sustainable fisheries management.
They may face trade sanctions, reputational damage, and loss of access to international markets, which could impact their overall economic development. It will also negatively impact the population of many marine animals, not just the usual seafood the fishing industry catches.
Let us choose sustainable seafood options, raise awareness, and advocate for policies and initiatives that will manage fish stocks.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
