illustration of two hands cupping a fish and a boat rests atop one of the hands
If IUU fishers target vulnerable stocks subject to strict management controls or moratoria, efforts to rebuild the stocks to healthy levels won't be achieved; threatening marine biodiversity, food security and the livelihoods of those involved.
Photo:©FAO

The toll of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

In a world of growing population and persistent hunger, fish has emerged as an important commodity for the achievement of food security. However, efforts by the international community to ensure the sustainability of fisheries are being seriously compromised by illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) recent report, “Review of the State of World Marine Fishery Resources - 2025,” over a third of fish stocks are being overexploited. IUU fishing catches millions of tonnes of fish every year. To curtail this, Target 4 of Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Agenda adopted in 2015 by the UN General Assembly, specifically urged the international community to “effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices” by 2020.

Meeting this ambitious target requires strong awareness-raising efforts to draw the attention of the general public to the negative impacts of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities, an activity in which FAO has been actively engaged.

Sustainable fishing starts with us!

It is estimated that 1 in every 5 fish caught comes from IUU fishing. When such fish ends up on our plates, we are unwitting accomplices in unsustainable, and often criminal practices, that are damaging for our future well-being and the sustainability of our planet. But we can help change that. Together we can stop it!

Follow and share your commitment to fight IUU fishing, and explore sharable materials on FAO's campaign kit. #FightIUUFishing #SaveOurOcean

Get involved! [pdf]

Code of conduct and international agreements

To promote long-term conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources the 1995 FAO Conference adopted the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The Code is voluntary and sets out principles and international standards of behavior for responsible practices with a view to ensuring the effective conservation, management and development of living aquatic resources, with due respect for the ecosystem and biodiversity.

In 2009 the FAO Conference adopted the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. This agreement remains the first binding international treaty specifically targeting IUU fishing and it stipulates minimum port State measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. It entered into force on 5 June 2016. As of 2025, the agreement continues to expand in global coverage and implementation, with new member accessions, including major fishing nations, strengthening its reach and enforcement impact.

In parallel, the 2022 World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is being implemented globally, prohibiting subsidies linked to illegal and unregulated fishing and reinforcing international governance frameworks.

Global cooperation and UN system action

FAO plays a central role in combating IUU fishing through global cooperation and capacity-building initiatives. Since 2022, FAO has supported more than 55 countries in strengthening legal and operational frameworks to combat IUU fishing. In addition, recent UN system coordination has intensified: FAO, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted over 50 recommendations in 2024 to strengthen enforcement, labor protections, and monitoring systems across the fisheries sector.

Background

In 2015, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean of the FAO proposed that an initiative be launched to declare an International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. Following extensive consultations, a proposal was submitted to the attention of the thirty-second session of FAO Committee on Fisheries.

The Committee on Fisheries endorsed the proposal for the declaration of 5 June as the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. The date reflects the day when the Port State Measures Agreement officially entered into force as an international treaty. The entry into force of this agreement marks an historical event, as it is the first international legally-binding instrument specifically devoted to the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

The proposed draft resolution was submitted to the 40th Session of the FAO Conference (July 2017) for approval. In December 2017 the UN General Assembly in its annual resolution on sustainable fisheries proclaimed 5 June as the "International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing." In the same resolution the UN also declared 2022 as the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, which will help focus attention on the small-scale fishermen and women who comprise 90 percent of the world's fisheries work force.

Over A Third of Fish Stocks Are Being Overexploited Says FAO at UN Ocean Conference

FAO’s report, “Review of the State of World Marine Fishery Resources 2025,” which draws on data from 2,570 marine fish stocks – the widest scope used by FAO yet – paints a complex picture: while over a third of stocks are being overexploited, 77 per cent of fish consumed globally still come from sustainable sources, thanks to stronger yields from well-managed fisheries.

 

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 - Blue Transformation in Action

In addition to statistics and trends on fisheries and aquaculture, the 2024 report presents scenarios for supply of aquatic animal food up to 2050, forecasting changes in aquatic animal food supply based on population growth.

The Tide is Turning

Interactive story of the 2024 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report.

Resources

A man shows a bucket full of tuna

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a broad term that captures a wide variety of fishing activity. IUU fishing is found in all types and dimensions of fisheries; it occurs both on the high seas and in areas within national jurisdiction. It concerns all aspects and stages of the capture and utilisation of fish, and it may sometimes be associated with organized crime. IUU fishing undermines national and regional efforts to conserve and manage fish stocks and, as a consequence, inhibits progress towards achieving the goals of long-term sustainability and responsibility. 

figure with straw hat holding fishing nets seen from above

Published biennially, the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture is an FAO flagship report providing a comprehensive analysis of the global and regional status and trends in fisheries and aquaculture. The 2024 edition shares the most up-to-date, evidence-based information, supporting policy, scientific and technical insights on challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping the present and future of the sector. The report is for policymakers, managers, scientists, fishers, farmers, traders, civil society activists and consumers.

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.