In a significant move, Argentina has signed the United Nations agreement, paving the way for the creation of marine protected areas to prevent unregulated foreign fishing. This commitment addresses the rampant exploitation of marine resources beyond national waters, a longstanding issue that threatens biodiversity and local economies.
The agreement, known as BBNJ (Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction), aims to ensure fair distribution of benefits from genetic resources, conduct environmental impact assessments, and enhance technological capabilities. It also mandates the establishment of multiple marine protection zones.
Raíl Cereseto, President of FULASP (Latin American Foundation for Fisheries Sustainability), emphasized the agreement’s crucial role in curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices. He highlighted a report revealing staggering economic losses due to IUU activities, estimating Argentina’s annual loss at up to USD 3.5 billion.
The report underscores that IUU fishing accounts for a substantial portion of global fishing activities, severely impacting fisheries sustainability worldwide. It notes that Asian-flagged vessels, particularly of Chinese origin, dominate IUU operations, contributing significantly to environmental degradation and unfair competition for local fishing industries.
Cereseto stressed the agreement’s historical importance for Argentina, marking the first regulatory framework for high seas governance. He expressed optimism that it would eliminate sovereignty disputes and ensure sustainable management of marine resources, vital for safeguarding marine biodiversity and food security for coastal communities.
This landmark agreement positions Argentina among 90 nations committed to protecting marine biodiversity and promoting responsible fisheries management on a global scale. As implementation awaits ratification, stakeholders anticipate swift action to enforce regulations and combat IUU fishing effectively.
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