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examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: International Fishing Agreements
Our oceans cover more than 70% of Earth's surface and are home to countless species that humans have harvested for thousands of years. However, with modern fishing technology and growing demand, many marine species are now at risk of being overfished. International fishing agreements are vital tools that help countries work together to manage these shared resources sustainably.
Key Definitions:
Fish don't recognise national boundaries! Many fish stocks migrate across different countries' waters and into international waters. Without cooperation between nations, these shared resources can be quickly depleted as each country tries to catch as much as possible. This is called the "Tragedy of the Commons" - when everyone acts in their own interest, shared resources get ruined for all.
Before the 1970s, most of the ocean was considered "high seas" where any country could fish freely. This led to serious overfishing. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982 established the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones, giving coastal nations more control over nearby waters. Since then, more specific agreements have been developed to address particular regions and species.
Several important organisations help coordinate fishing activities around the world:
Through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN develops guidelines for responsible fisheries and helps countries implement sustainable fishing practices.
These organisations manage fish stocks in specific regions. Examples include ICCAT (Atlantic tuna), CCAMLR (Antarctic marine resources) and NAFO (Northwest Atlantic fisheries).
The EU's Common Fisheries Policy manages fishing activities for all member states, setting quotas and conservation measures across European waters.
There are several different types of agreements that help manage marine resources:
These set broad principles for ocean governance and fisheries management:
These focus on specific geographic areas and the fish stocks within them:
These are arrangements between just two countries:
The European Union's Common Fisheries Policy is one of the world's most comprehensive regional fishing agreements. It manages fisheries across all EU member states with several key components:
While the CFP has faced criticism over the years, recent reforms have strengthened conservation measures and reduced overfishing in European waters. Between 2003 and 2021, the number of sustainably fished stocks in the Northeast Atlantic increased from 27% to 67%.
For fishing agreements to be effective, they need several key elements:
Scientists study fish populations to determine sustainable catch levels. They look at factors like reproduction rates, age structure and current population size to recommend appropriate Total Allowable Catches (TACs).
Once TACs are set, they're divided into quotas for different countries. This can be based on historical fishing patterns, the needs of coastal communities, or other negotiated criteria. Countries then distribute their quotas to their fishing fleets.
Agreements need strong monitoring systems to be effective. This can include vessel monitoring systems (VMS), onboard observers, port inspections and documentation requirements. Penalties for violations might include fines, loss of fishing rights, or even vessel confiscation.
Fish stocks and fishing practices change over time, so agreements need regular review and adjustment. Most include mechanisms for annual or biennial meetings where countries can assess progress and update measures based on new scientific information.
Despite their importance, international fishing agreements face several significant challenges:
IUU fishing undermines conservation efforts and costs the global economy billions of pounds each year. It includes fishing without permission, misreporting catches and using prohibited fishing methods. Combating IUU fishing requires cooperation between countries on monitoring, control and surveillance.
Beyond national jurisdictions, enforcement becomes particularly difficult. No single country has authority in international waters, making it harder to monitor fishing activities and enforce regulations. This is why RFMOs are so important - they provide a framework for countries to work together on enforcement.
Countries often have different priorities when it comes to fisheries management. Some may prioritise short-term economic gains, while others focus on long-term sustainability. Finding common ground can be challenging, especially when fishing is culturally and economically important.
The South Pacific Tuna Treaty is an agreement between the United States and 16 Pacific Island nations that allows US vessels to fish for tuna in the waters of these island nations. First signed in 1988, it has been renegotiated several times.
The treaty shows both the benefits and challenges of international fishing agreements:
This case demonstrates how successful agreements must balance economic interests with conservation goals and be flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions.
As our understanding of marine ecosystems improves and new challenges emerge, fishing agreements continue to evolve:
Rather than managing single species in isolation, newer agreements are taking an ecosystem approach. This considers how fishing affects the entire marine ecosystem, including non-target species, habitats and food webs.
Warming oceans are causing fish stocks to shift their ranges, often moving toward the poles. This creates new challenges for agreements based on historical distributions. Future agreements will need to be more adaptable to these changing patterns.
New technologies like satellite monitoring, electronic reporting systems and DNA testing of fish products are making it easier to track fishing activities and verify compliance with agreements. These tools will be increasingly important for effective management.
International fishing agreements are essential tools for managing our shared marine resources sustainably. While they face significant challenges, they represent our best hope for ensuring that fish stocks remain available for future generations. As global citizens, understanding these agreements helps us appreciate the complex balance between harvesting marine resources and protecting them for the future.
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