Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU) is a significant problem worldwide. It actively threatens the ocean’s ecosystems and makes it difficult for legitimate fisheries to operate sustainably. It’s also a threat to global food security, a strain on our natural resources, and puts law-abiding fishermen at a disadvantage in the world market.

To help raise awareness about this issue, the holiday International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing is observed on June 5th every year. This holiday aims to bring attention to the problem so that measures can be implemented to end illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing worldwide.

The History of International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing

The United Nations General Assembly created this holiday on December 5th, 2017. It was then officially observed for the first time on June 5th, 2018. Since its inception, it has been a day that helps to raise awareness about IUU fishing.

Some Quick Facts About IUU Fishing

Let’s review some real data. We’ve listed some quick facts about IUU fishing that we think everyone should know as they celebrate this day. Let’s take a look at them below.

• Approximately 20% of the world’s fish come from illegal fisheries.
• Overfishing, pollution, and climate change may lead to fishless oceans one day.
• Some estimates suggest that we may have exhausted our ocean’s fish supplies by 2048.
• Up to a third of seafood imported into the U.S. is brought in illegally.

Observing International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing

We believe that one of the main objectives of this holiday is to spread the word about IUU fishing far and wide. One of the best ways is for individuals to tell friends and family members about it and what this holiday aims to achieve.

Another way that people can spread the word about this holiday is to use the hashtag #FightAgainstIUUFishing on their social media feeds. Of course, spreading the news about this holiday isn’t the only way to observe it, although it might be the most important.

Another way to observe this holiday is for people to educate themselves on the subject and find out what they can do to help. Finally, individuals can ensure that they don’t violate established fishing regulations, even if they think it doesn’t harm anyone.

This means that they should make sure to purchase their fishing license from the appropriate agency that regulates fishing in their area and they should ensure not to exceed maximum fishing quotas, avoid fishing for endangered species, and release fish that are immature.