The 10th Our Ocean Conference (28-30 April 2025) in Busan, South Korea, has seen government leaders take a stronger stand against illegal fishing by advancing transparency and holding bad actors accountable.
OOC host country South Korea, along with Ghana and Cameroon, officially endorsed the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency – a set of 10 policy principles designed to ensure that information about vessels and fishing activity is widely available to promote responsible fisheries management, eliminate illegal practices, and protect human rights at sea.
Panama also made a key commitment, pledging to publish the ownership of fishing vessels.
Kyung-Man Ko, Director of Distant Water Fisheries Division, Korea Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said: “Korea recognises the importance of the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency and we’re continuing efforts for phased implementation…I believe that the goal of sustainable fisheries can be achieved when each country effectively implements the charter and plays its role as a flag state, port state, market state, and coastal state. This is a meaningful initial step to keep IUU fishing at bay in a pre-emptive way that guides the work for our ambitious goals.”
Ghana’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Emilia Arthur said: “I stand here fully subscribing to the Global Charter for Fisheries, which for me is in-caught within a framework of accountability. Not just because it’s important to do, but it’s also because it reflects Ghana’s fisheries laws and objectives and sets a good map for reforms…Let’s come along on the journey of actualising the 10 principles of the Fisheries Transparency Charter as Ghana comes along as well.”
Mimbang Irene Guy, Technical Advisor to Minister, Cameroon Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries commented: “Cameroon supports the Global Charter for Transparency and over the coming years is working to implement these principles…The driving force behind these advances is the conviction that we have, that while transparency is not an end in itself, it’s an essential lever to fight against IUU fishing to the benefit of the population and economic players who abide by the rules. We recognise that this is a long-term battle, and we are contributing our effort to meet these challenges.”
The progress has been welcomed by NGOs, with Steve Trent, CEO and Founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and co-chair of the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency saying that Korea, Ghana, and Cameroon have set a new global standard for legal, sustainable, and ethical fisheries worldwide, with a landmark commitment to the charter.
“This is a vital breakthrough for people and our planet. Our research has shown that when seafood supply chains aren’t properly monitored, high-risk fishing vessels can slip through the cracks, selling seafood linked to illegal fishing and human rights abuses into national markets and the global seafood supply. The problem is clear: we can’t manage what we can’t see.
“By embracing transparency, these countries are charting a course for others to follow. Transparency may seem abstract, but it is a powerful tool for a better future. It ensures fishers can work safely and with dignity. It levels the playing field for responsible operators. It safeguards marine wildlife for future generations. It restores balance to an ocean in crisis. With Korea, Ghana, and Cameroon now leading the way, the message is clear: transparency is no longer optional. The question now is: who will be next?” he said.
Maisie Pigeon, Director of the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency, noted that Korea, Ghana and Cameroon represent the first countries in Asia and Africa to formally commit to implementing the charter principles in both law and practice.
She called on neighbouring nations to follow suit and join the growing movement to end IUU fishing.
“Without action, IUU fishing will continue to deplete fisheries, destroy ocean habitats, and threaten global food security,” Pigeon said. “We’re thrilled to see the growing momentum toward more transparent fisheries. These nations are stepping up to protect honest fishers and coastal communities. There can be no accountability without transparency. Fisheries transparency is not just good governance – it’s essential for the long-term sustainability of our oceans and the livelihoods they support.”
Tony Long, CEO of Global Fishing Watch and co-chair of the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency, added: “If we don’t know who is truly profiting from fishing operations, it becomes impossible to improve ocean governance and safeguard ecosystems and local fisheries. This OOC is about action. Today, Panama has taken critical steps towards achieving ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) transparency. In doing so, the government is making its fleet more accountable and building pressure on other countries to do the same. This is a crucial step forward in preventing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and in ensuring ocean resources are used more sustainably.”
