European fishing industry body Europêche has welcomed the adoption of the new UNOC3 Political Declaration as a significant step forward in strengthening multilateral ocean governance, advancing science-based management, enhancing marine spatial planning, and intensifying the global fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) concluded with the adoption of the Nice Ocean Action Plan – a two-part outcome comprising a new political declaration titled “Our ocean, our future: united for urgent action” and over 800 voluntary commitments by countries, UN agencies, scientists and civil society.
Amongst other things, the declaration encourages all states to promote participatory management schemes for small-scale fisheries and highlighted the importance of efforts in regional fisheries management organisations to establish sound management measures for sustainable fisheries.
Stating that more than 800 million people worldwide depend on blue food systems for their livelihoods, Europêche said the declaration rightly underscores the role of sustainable fisheries not only in preserving marine ecosystems but also in addressing poverty, hunger and malnutrition.
It said the global commitment is echoed at the European level through the recent launch of the EU Ocean Pact, which acknowledges the essential role of fisheries in Europe’s economy, food systems and maritime heritage.
Noting that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated during the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France that EU fishermen and fisherwomen “work tirelessly to feed us, day and night, in all conditions. Yet factors such as unfair competition are pushing too many of them out of business”, Europêche added to the call for stronger EU and international action to support fishers, reverse harmful trends, and ensure the long-term viability of the fishing sector as a key pillar of ocean governance and coastal livelihoods.
