Five Nations Sign Declaration to Prevent Unregulated Fishing in the Central Arctic Ocean

摘要

The five states that surround the central Arctic Ocean -Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark in respect of Greenland, the Kingdom of Norway, the Russian Federation, and the U.S. - met in Oslo on 16 July 2015 to sign a declaration to prevent unregulated commercial fishing in high seas portion of the central Arctic Ocean. The declaration acknowledges that commercial fishing in this area of Arctic Ocean, which is larger than Alaska and Texas combined, is unlikely to occur in the near future. Nevertheless, the dramatic reduction of Arctic sea ice and other environmental changes, combined with the limited scientific knowledge about marine resources in this area, necessitate a precautionary approach. To that end, the five countries stated in the declaration that they intend to authorize their vessels to conduct any future commercial fishing in this area only once one or more international mechanisms are in place to manage any such fishing in accordance with recognized international standards. They also intend to establish a joint program of scientific research with the aim of improving understanding of the ecosystems of this area.