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High-level UN conference to support the implementation of SDG 14 (UN Ocean Conference)

2017/2653(RSP)

The European Parliament adopted a resolution, prepared by its Committee on Development, on the High-Level UN Conference to Support the Implementation of SDG 14 (UN Ocean Conference).

Members recalled the upcoming high-level UN conference to support the implementation of SDG 14 (UN Ocean Conference), to be convened at UN headquarters from 5 to 9 June 2017.

They noted that despite the world’s commitment to curb overfishing by 2015, made in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, 31.4 % of the world’s fish stocks are still overfished. However, overfishing is a serious threat not only to entire marine ecosystems but also to food security and to the economic and social sustainability of coastal communities worldwide.

Members expressed concern about ocean acidification caused by increasing levels of carbon dioxide.

According to Members, an ecosystem-based and precautionary approach is needed to implement global fisheries management.

In parallel, they encouraged Member States to assume their respective responsibilities as flag, coastal, port and market states, in particular by:

  • flag state: full implementation of the international and national management measures to ensure that vessels flying their flag respect the rules;
  • coastal state: ensuring sustainable fishing in waters under their jurisdiction and controlling access to those waters in order to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing;
  • port state: ratification and full implementation of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) Port State Measures Agreement;
  • market state: taking measures to ensure better coordination between the fight against IUU fishing and trade and market policy.

While recalling the importance of conserving at least 10 % of coastal and marine areas, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.5, Members called for reinforced regional cooperation among all states in fisheries management for a sustainable and equitable exploitation of migratory species.

They also believe that all commercially exploited species should be covered by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) with increased powers to efficiently enforce management decisions and sanctions.