AGREEMENT for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks

DESCRIPTION & FOCUS AREA

The main objectives of the Agreement are to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks, to improve co-operation between states to that end and to ensure more effective enforcement by flag states, port states and coastal states of conservation and management measures adopted for such stocks, particularly on the high seas.

The United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks:

Adopted Agreement on: 4 August 1995
Parliamentary memo drafted and submitted on : 19 June 2002
Approved by Minister on: 2 July 2002

Public participation process via Government Gazette to be initiated?

Mr Marius Diemont
(2721) 402 3182

IMPLICATIONS & BENEFITS FOR SOUTH AFRICA

The Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982, relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly migratory Fish Stocks has as its primary objective “to ensure the long term conservation and sustainable use of straddling fish stocks” and highly migratory fish stocks.

It is, by far, the most detailed and comprehensive international instrument on conservation and management of fish stocks such as valuable South African fish resources (Orange Roughy, Patagonian Toothfish, Tunas and even Pilchard).

The South African Marine Fisheries Policy clearly recognises the need for South Africa to retain control of these resources, particularly when fishing vessels move in and out of the South African Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and those neighbouring states (e.g. Namibia) as well as international waters.

The Agreement has been drafted in such a way as to strengthen the role played by regional fisheries organisations in ensuring that management of high seas fish stocks does not compromise the sustainable utilisation of related stocks in areas adjacent to those being managed by coastal states (i.e. the South African EEZ).

These key aims are not at variance with the agreement’s primary objective and the need to effectively manage and conserve straddling and highly migratory fish stocks is seen as an important aim of the Marine Fisheries Policy.