#USA #Washington #Pew Charitable Trusts #Illegal Fishing #Cape Town Agreement

Pew Welcomes the Ratification of the Cape Town Agreement

The Pew Charitable Trusts recently expressed its approval of the news regarding the Cape Town Agreement (CTA), which has garnered substantial support from significant fishing nations across the globe. This support includes Argentina's accession to the agreement, enabling it to come into effect next year, marking a pivotal moment in maritime safety efforts.

The CTA aims to improve safety standards for fishing vessels, ensuring the protection of crew members and observers alike. This international treaty represents a significant advancement in the ongoing fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which has been a pressing issue for the maritime industry.

Enhancing Safety for Fishermen

One of the primary objectives of the Cape Town Agreement is to enforce safety measures for fishing crews by establishing guidelines related to the construction of industrial vessels, their seaworthiness, and the implementation of emergency procedures. Previously, there was a notable lack of global standards and legal obligations safeguarding fishermen at sea. According to research conducted by the FISH Safety Foundation, commissioned by Pew, more than 100,000 individuals in the fishing sector lose their lives annually. Thus, focusing on safety through the CTA could prove critical in reducing these fatalities.

Combating Illegal Fishing

Moreover, improving safety standards on fishing vessels also aids in tackling the rampant issue of illegal fishing practices. Operators who engage in IUU fishing often cut corners in vessel operation to maximize profits, which significantly endangers workers in one of the world’s most hazardous professions. By enhancing oversight and standardizing the regulation of safety measures on fishing boats, the CTA increases the chances of detecting and preventing IUU activities.

Ratification Status

Initially adopted by the International Maritime Organization in 2012, the CTA applies primarily to new vessels measuring 24 meters or more in length. It will take effect next year following the ratification by 28 countries, surpassing the necessary threshold of 22. The agreement necessitated coverage of at least 3,600 vessels to be ratified, a condition that has also been fulfilled with the latest surge of support.

The CTA strengthens the framework along with two other significant international agreements aimed at regulating reckless operators exploiting gaps in fishing regulations. These include the United Nations’ Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), which requires member states to enhance and harmonize port inspections, and the ILO Work in Fishing Convention, setting binding safety and labor standards at sea.

A Shift Towards Stronger Ocean Governance

The momentum for enhancing ocean governance has accelerated dramatically. Since 2022, four major international agreements have been adopted or have come into force, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework on biodiversity, the World Trade Organization's fisheries subsidies agreement, the High Seas Biodiversity Treaty enacted by the United Nations in January 2026, and now the CTA. Collectively, these represent a crucial shift towards ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the communities that rely on them.

Peter Horn, who leads Pew's efforts to curb illegal fishing, stated, “By activating the Cape Town Agreement, governments are taking a significant step forward in improving the safety of fishermen at sea, enhancing efforts to eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and increasing the sustainability of fisheries through better oversight and fleet management.

For too long, fishermen have lacked safety measures comparable to those of other mariners. Given that more than 100,000 people die in the global fishing sector each year, protective measures are nothing short of essential. The implementation of this agreement next year will greatly enhance the living standards within the fishing industry, ultimately leading to a reduction in fishing-related fatalities.”

He further emphasized, “The Cape Town Agreement builds upon other pivotal ocean-related treaties. However, these ambitious plans for sustainable management are only as good as their implementation. States must now take all necessary actions to turn words into deeds and secure not only the global fishing economy and its fishermen but also the entire ocean ecosystem.”

Established in 1948, The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to drive positive changes. Pew tackles challenges in our changing world by highlighting issues, creating a platform for collaborative solutions, and promoting ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress.