#USA #Washington, D.C. #Pew Charitable Trusts #Cape Town Agreement #fisheries safety

Pew Charitable Trusts Hails Ratification of the Cape Town Agreement

On February 24, 2026, the Pew Charitable Trusts welcomed the ratification of the Cape Town Agreement (CTA) by major fishing nations, demonstrating a significant milestone in maritime safety legislation. With Argentina joining the pact, the agreement now has enough support to come into effect next year. This binding international treaty aims to set crucial standards for fishing vessels, safeguarding both crew members and observers while also addressing the persistent issue of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The CTA seeks to enhance the safety protocols surrounding the construction and seaworthiness of industrial fishing ships. It establishes clear guidelines for deck conditions, heating, emergency procedures, and other lifesaving measures that are vital for protecting those who work in one of the most dangerous professions worldwide. Prior to this groundbreaking agreement, few global standards existed to ensure the safety of fishermen at sea.

Statistics from the FISH Safety Foundation, commissioned by Pew, reveal a staggering reality: each year, over 100,000 individuals in the fishing sector lose their lives. The introduction of the CTA, with its focus on raising safety standards, stands to significantly lessen this toll on human life.

Moreover, the enhancement of safety standards for fishing vessels comes hand in hand with a stronger fight against IUU fishing. Frequently, operators engaged in illegal fishing practices cut corners in vessel management, which puts workers at a greater risk. By strengthening governance and streamlining compliance with safety regulations, it becomes easier to detect and deter IUU fishing activities.

Initially adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2012, the Cape Town Agreement primarily applies to new vessels over 24 meters in length. The treaty will enter into force as a result of over 28 countries ratifying it, exceeding the minimum requirement of 22 nations. Furthermore, the agreement encompasses more than 3,600 fishing vessels, surpassing the necessary thresholds for activation.

The CTA adds to a framework of existing international agreements designed to tighten regulations and close loopholes exploited by unscrupulous operators in the fishing industry. This includes the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which demands that contracting parties intensify and harmonize port inspections, and the International Labour Organization’s Convention on Work in Fishing, which lays down binding safety and working conditions at sea.

Since 2022, a wave of momentum for enhanced ocean governance has been observed, with several key international treaties gaining traction. These treaties include the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022, the World Trade Organization Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in 2025, and the High Seas Agreement, which targets the sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, effective from January 2026. The introduction of the CTA marks a critical step towards ensuring the long-term viability of ocean ecosystems and the human communities that depend on them.

Peter Horn, head of Pew’s efforts to combat illegal fishing, commented on this development:

“The activation of the Cape Town Agreement represents a significant advancement for the safety of fishermen at sea, bolstering efforts to end illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and enhancing sustainability through improved monitoring and management of fishing fleets.”

Horn emphasized that until now, fishermen have not had access to the same level of safety protections available to other mariners. Given the alarming figures of annual fatalities in the fishing sector, it is evident that protective measures are crucial. Once this treaty takes effect next year, it promises to dramatically enhance the conditions faced by fishing workers, thereby reducing the number of tragic incidents.

He further noted that the Cape Town Agreement follows a series of significant marine treaties aimed at fostering sustainable governance. However, he cautioned that these ambitious plans rely heavily on their execution:

“Governments must now translate words into actions, ensuring the protection of global fisheries, the fishermen themselves, and the entire ocean ecosystem.”

Founded in 1948, the Pew Charitable Trusts employs data-driven approaches to tackle pressing challenges globally. They aim to illuminate crucial issues, create common ground, and advance ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress.