The world’s fisheries are in crisis. Approximately two-thirds of the world’s marine fisheries are exploited at or beyond their capacity for sustainable production, and some have already collapsed. Fishing activities are also harming target species, non-target species, habitats and ecosystems. To avert this crisis, the governments of the world must implement ecologically sustainable fisheries management practices, such as those advocated by Greenpeace (included as Annex I).
The market for fish is increasingly a global market. Exports of fishery commodities constitute some 40% of total catch by weight, suggesting that trade and trade policy have significant implications for fisheries conservation. Not surprisingly, some of the most prominent disputes involving trade and environment have involved marine products. Yet, there has been little systematic study of the linkages between trade and fisheries.
This report provides an initial overview of international trade law and trade-related policy measures that could help implement ecologically responsible fisheries practices. The report explains how current trade and investment rules could impede or support certain trade-related conservation measures.