Pew Charitable Trusts Celebrates the Ratification of Cape Town Agreement to Enhance Maritime Safety

Pew Charitable Trusts Celebrates Cape Town Agreement Ratification

The Pew Charitable Trusts has voiced strong support following the successful ratification of the Cape Town Agreement (CTA), a significant international treaty designed to enhance safety for fishing crews while combating illegal fishing practices. This recent development marks a pivotal advance in maritime safety and regulatory measures, crucial for the global fishing community.

On February 24, 2026, it was announced that the CTA secured backing from various major fishing nations, including Argentina, which now makes it possible for the treaty to be enforced by next year. At its core, the CTA is aimed at ensuring that fishing vessels adhere to better construction standards, improving seaworthiness, and instituting comprehensive safety measures. Without a doubt, this initiative sends a clear message about the priority of lives at sea, protecting thousands of fishers worldwide.

Statistics reveal a startling reality: over 100,000 individuals in the fishing sector face fatalities each year due to inadequate safety measures. Research conducted by the FISH Safety Foundation, commissioned by Pew, underscores the urgent need for change in this under-regulated area. The CTA’s focus on safety protocols stands to prevent these tragic losses, setting a new standard that focuses on the well-being of those who venture into often treacherous waters.

Moreover, elevating safety standards will prove to be a crucial first step in addressing the challenge of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Often, operators engaged in illegal practices cut corners on vessel safety to maximize profits, putting not just their lives but the environment at risk. Enhanced governance through the CTA is geared towards fostering accountability and increasing oversight, making it more difficult for unscrupulous actors to take advantage of regulatory loopholes.

Introduced by the International Maritime Organization in 2012, the agreement applies mainly to new vessels measuring 24 meters or longer. The threshold for activation was met with support from at least 28 states, substantially surpassing the minimum requirement of 22. Furthermore, the pact also surpassed the necessary coverage for at least 3,600 vessels, reflecting a robust commitment to maritime safety and sustainability from the international community.

The CTA joins an impressive suite of existing global agreements that collectively strive to fortify maritime regulations. Notably, the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) demands rigorous port controls, while the International Labor Organization's Work in Fishing Convention establishes concrete safety and labor standards for those at sea. These treaties, working in tandem, contribute significantly to the protective framework for fishers and marine biodiversity.

Peter Horn, who directs the efforts to combat illegal fishing at The Pew Charitable Trusts, expressed his enthusiasm for the pivotal role the CTA will play in reshaping maritime practices. He emphasized that the treaty will not only elevate safety standards but also significantly bolster the chances of detecting and eradicating IUU fishing.

"With the Cape Town Agreement coming into effect, governments are making a critical push towards fortifying fishers' safety and eradicating illegal fishing practices. Prior to this, fishers dealt with a tragic lack of protections, which eventually led to countless deaths in the industry. The activation of this treaty will directly contribute to saving lives and ensuring a sustainable future for fisheries and the broader ocean ecosystem," Horn stated.

As the international community moves towards the enforcement of the Cape Town Agreement next year, there is a collective responsibility to ensure its implementation is effective. More than just a formal agreement, the CTA embodies a commitment to protect fisheries, safeguard those who work at sea, and promote the health of our oceans.

With various ongoing treaties seeking to promote sustainable ocean governance, the CTA represents a crucial step in the broader vision of ensuring that the ocean remains a safe and productive space for both fishers and marine life alike.