Tehran – The Iran Fisheries Organization (IFO) has underscored the importance of enhanced regional and international cooperation to safeguard aquatic resources and advance sustainable fisheries, marking the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing on June 5.

 

Fariborz Rajaei, acting director of the Fishing and Fisheries Office at the organization, said that this year’s observance coincides with the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), widely regarded as the leading international framework for preventing illegally caught fish and seafood products from entering global markets.

 

“The agreement has made a significant contribution to conserving fish stocks and supporting responsible and law-abiding fishers,” he said.

 

Referring to data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), he said that illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing accounts for an estimated 11 to 26 million metric tons of catch annually, with an economic value ranging from $10 billion to $23 billion. Beyond its economic impact, he warned, IUU fishing poses a serious threat to marine biodiversity, food security, and the livelihoods of coastal communities worldwide.

 

Rajaei highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, which supplies a portion of Iran’s tuna harvest, stressing that effective action against illegal fishing in the region requires sustained cooperation among coastal states, the deployment of advanced vessel monitoring and tracking technologies, and strengthened information-sharing among relevant authorities.

 

He added that the Iran Fisheries Organization has intensified its efforts in recent years through the expansion of fisheries monitoring systems, rigorous implementation of national and regional regulations, closer coordination with oversight agencies, and active engagement in regional fisheries management organizations.

 

According to Rajaei, these measures reflect Iran’s commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries, protecting marine ecosystems, and contributing to global efforts to eliminate illegal fishing practices.