Oceans, IUU Fishing, and Climate Change: Implications for International Law

• Published in: International Community Law Review
• Main Author: Voigt, Christina
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: Ocean acidification
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10852/84927; http://urn.nb.no/URN:NBN:no-87620; https://doi.org/10.1163/18719732-12341436

Abstract Illegal, unregulated and unreported ( IUU ) fishing poses a significant threat to marine fisheries and biodiversity only outpaced by the projected impacts of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Ocean warming might affect fish stocks, their health and migratory routes. Ocean acidification and de-oxygenation are another two phenomena that might affect certain marine species as well as entire marine ecosystems. Rebuilding of overexploited and depleted fisheries and managing fisheries sustainably will require comprehensive governance structures for port, flag, coastal and market states, which also address the causes and impacts of climate change. Addressing those concerns could open for opportunities for comprehensive and synergetic regulation. This article addresses potential synergies between oceans and climate governance; focusing on the role of oceans in addressing climate change and its adverse impacts. Suggestions to this end include (i) increasing ocean-based renewable energy, (ii) decarbonizing ocean-based transport, and (iii) pursuing integrated management of fisheries and aquaculture.