A notable advancement in global fishing regulations is the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, finalized on June 17, 2022. This historic agreement aims to enhance ocean sustainability by prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies, which are a significant factor in the global depletion of fish stocks. It marks a critical achievement toward fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically addressing the challenges of overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by eliminating financial incentives that contribute to these issues.
In addition to the WTO’s efforts, the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) reached a breakthrough agreement to protect key tuna stocks in the Western Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO). During its annual meeting in Da Nang, Vietnam, member states agreed on management measures including the adoption of harvest strategies for tuna stocks, such as skipjack, bigeye, yellowfin, and albacore. These strategies are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of tuna stocks by creating a safety net for their recovery. This agreement is part of a broader move towards sustainable fisheries management, reflecting a significant step forward in safeguarding economically vital and abundant tuna resources.
These agreements represent a pivotal shift towards more sustainable and responsible fishing practices on a global scale, addressing urgent needs for conservation and sustainable management of the world’s fishery resources.
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