United Nations Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks

General Information

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What is it about?

This instrument regulates high seas fishing to ensure the long-term conservation and durable usage of straddling fish (molluscs, soles, cod, whiting) and highly migratory fish (tuna, swordfish). The Agreement protects the interest of coastal states by requiring that the catch volume on the high seas by “factory ships” does not lower the fisheries resources in the exclusive economic zone, which is the area extending up to 200 miles off the coast of coastal states where those states own sovereign rights for usage. The 1995 Agreement provides for the establishment of regional organizations for fishing, and the possibility for the control of fishing on the high seas by other States in the Agreement. All State parties agree to a rational management of stocks, under the precautionary principle. Special provisions have been adopted addressing the needs of developing countries. They may benefit from help to better manage their fisheries resources.

Why is it relevant?

By ratifying this instrument, coastal states become party to an instrument designed to protect their fisheries resources in their exclusive economic zone, allowing those states to preserve an important economic resource. Special needs of developing countries have been addressed by provisions for assistance in the conservation and management of stocks and help in exploitation of fisheries resources on the high seas.

Additional Information

The 1995 Agreement implements a procedure of obligatory and definitive dispute settlement regarding the application or interpretation of its provisions. The International Court of Justice, arbitral or special tribunals like the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea, assure dispute settlement.

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