Brussels, 28/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted by 193 member states of the United Nations (UN), contains an ambitious goal to eradicate overfishing and illegal fishing by 2020 (see other article).
Among the commitments in this Goal 14 (conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources) feature: - by 2020, effectively regulate fishing and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices, and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible; - by 2020, conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information; - by 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new subsidies of this kind; - by 2030, increase the economic benefits to small island developing states and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism; - provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)