Turning the Tide
International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing is observed on June 5 every year. This is a reminder to the world that our oceans, their ecosystems, and the livelihoods of millions are under a silent but serious threat. There is more to fishing than catching, selling and eating the fish. Over the years, technological advances, increasing demand for seafood, and inadequate governance have contributed to a rise in illegal and unregulated fishing. The global fishing industry is massive in scale. ~2 lakh tonnes of marine catch are harvested daily worldwide. Eating fish offers numerous health benefits, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. Fish serve a variety of purposes beyond being a food source. Used in cosmetics and also contributes to Scientific Research. Indian ancient scriptures mention the “Matsya Avatara,” one of the ten incarnations of Vishnu. In the era of the internet, fishing has a different connotation, and users are advised to exercise caution. Yes, fishing, whether in river or ocean waters or on the internet, results in imbalance and problems. It is the duty of all to ensure that caution and restraint are the need of the hour.
No Human Being, However Great or Powerful, Was Ever So Free as a Fish.
John Ruskin
International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing is observed on June 5 every year. This is a reminder to the world that our oceans, their ecosystems, and the livelihoods of millions are under a silent but serious threat. Recognising the magnitude of the issue, the UN declared June 5 as the International Day of Awareness of the United Nations Decade for Action on Nutrition in 2017. It builds on the momentum of the Port State Measures Agreement—the first international treaty specifically designed to prevent illegal fishers from using ports to land their catch. This is a call to action, emphasising fairness, sustainability, and justice for our oceans and the people who rely on them.
Why the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported
and Unregulated Fishing Matters to Us All.
There is more to fishing than catching, selling and eating the fish. Over the years, technological advances, increasing demand for seafood, and inadequate governance have contributed to a rise in illegal and unregulated fishing. Resulting in robbing the coastal communities of their sustenance and undermining conservation efforts.
Illegal fishing occurs when vessels operate in violation of a country’s laws. Unreported fishing refers to catches that are not declared to relevant authorities. Unregulated fishing occurs in areas where there are no regulations or where vessels disregard existing measures. These activities account for 26 million tonnes of fish annually (20% of the global catch). Above all, it jeopardises the sustainability of the ocean—the very heart of life on Earth. Sustainable fishing starts with us. It is estimated that one in every five fish caught comes from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
What is Needed is Better Monitoring,
Sharing of Satellite Data, Enforcement of Traceability, and Strengthening of International Cooperation.
The global fishing industry is massive in scale. ~2 lakh tonnes of marine catch are harvested daily worldwide. Fishing volumes vary by region, with China leading global daily fishing operations. Other top fishing nations include Indonesia (22 million tonnes), India (15.8 million tonnes), Vietnam (8.8 million tonnes), and Peru (5.5 million tonnes).
Fish consumption varies widely across the world, with some countries having a high percentage of fish eaters while others consume relatively little. In India, the proportion of fish eaters stands at ~72%. Tripura has the highest percentage of fish eaters, followed by Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and West Bengal.
Eating fish offers numerous health benefits, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. It is rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, vitamins and minerals. Supports Eye Health, and Many fish varieties are lean and low in calories, making them ideal for weight management.
Fish serve a variety of purposes beyond being a food source. Used in cosmetics and skincare and also contributes to Scientific Research. Fish are studied for their biological properties, contributing to advancements in genetics, medicine, and environmental science.
Fish are among the earliest vertebrates in the evolutionary cycle, dating back over 530 million years. They evolved from primitive chordates, developing skulls and vertebral columns, which ultimately led to the emergence of the first true vertebrates. Following the fish in the evolution are tetrapods, the first land-dwelling vertebrates. Indian ancient scriptures revere the “Matsya Avathara”, one of the ten incarnations of Vishnu.
When you talk about fishing, and if you are in the southern part of India, you cannot miss the news reports of the India-Sri Lanka fisherman conflict. Revolving around fishing rights in the Palk Strait, a narrow water body between Tamil Nadu and northern Sri Lanka. Indian fishermen often cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) into Sri Lankan waters, leading to frequent arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy.
In the era of the internet, fishing has a different connotation, and users are advised to exercise caution. Yes, fishing, whether in river or ocean waters, when done in excess, results in imbalance and problems. It is the duty of all to ensure that caution and restraint are the need of the hour.
Toons: Reema
Log: M Sai Baba
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