Conserving and Managing Straddling, Highly Migratory Fish Stocks: United Nations Takes a Major Step Forward for Marine Conservation

摘要

The recently concluded United Nations (U.N.) agreement on conserving and managing straddling and highly migratory fish stocks marks a sea change in the management of the world's marine fisheries. This landmark treaty was opened for signature 4 December 1995. If quickly ratified and properly implemented, the treaty will begin to reverse overfishing and global fisheries depletion. Straddling stocks are those fish populations that "straddle" the boundary between domestic and international waters. Highlymigratory species include most tuna species, swordfish, some sharks, marlin, and other billfish. These straddling and migratory species account for roughly 20% of the total marine catch and include some of the most economically and ecologically valuable stocks.