Overfishing, a Global Issue
The United Nations estimates that fishing is
central to the livelihood and food security of more than 200 million people,
especially in the developing world. The rapid
growth in demand for fish and fish products is leading to fish prices
increasing faster than prices of meat making fisheries investments more
attractive to both entrepreneurs and governments, to the detriment of
small-scale fishing and fishing communities all over the world. In trying to address a variety of
issues involving international maritime conventions the UN developed the
Convention on the Law of the Sea.
On the 13th of March 2012, the United Nations
legal chief reminded members of the importance of the global treaty governing
the use of oceans and urged UN members who have not ratified it to do so this
year, which marks the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the
Convention on the Law of the Sea. This convention governs all aspects of ocean
space, including delimitation of maritime boundaries, environmental
regulations, scientific research, commerce and the settlement of international
disputes involving marine issues.
The Convention on the Law of the Sea came into
force on November 16, 1994 when Guyana became the 60th State to ratify it. One
of the salient features of the Convention is the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
that recognizes the right of coastal States to have jurisdiction and the right
to exploit, develop, manage and conserve all resources in the waters, on the
ocean floor and in the subsoil of an area extending 200 miles from shore. Under
the Convention, all States have the right to navigation, over-flight,
scientific research and fishing on the high seas, but they are obliged to
cooperate with other States in adopting measures to manage living resources. This
cooperation does not always actually occur.
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| Somali pirates prepare a skiff. Photograph: Mohamed Dahir/AFP/Getty Images |
As was reported in the early 1990’s in Somalia
and is now being reported in Senegal, illegal foreign fishing fleets still
encroach within the 12-mile inshore limits and poach fish from the local
communities. This negatively impacts the nations’ economy and the lives of
local fisherman and their families who depend on these fish. The intruding
boats have also been reported to destroy the property and tools of the local
fishermen, hurting their ability to continue with their livelihood. The lack of ability to enforce the
Conventions on the Law of the Sea and the lack of universal agreement on these
conventions is harming those who least can afford the loss of their fishing.
The United States, although strongly
influencing the development of these conventions, is not a signatory State. Members
of Congress view signing these conventions as impinging upon our sovereignty
within our coastal waters. Should the US become a signatory on the Convention
on the Laws of the Sea, we will be better able to regulate our own companies’
involvement in issues that lead to overfishing and poaching, as well as show
our support of other countries in their struggles against those who violate
this treaty every day.
Sources:
http://www.un.org/events/tenstories/06/story.asp?storyID=800
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