International Fisheries Law in Pursuit of the Three Pillars of Sustainability

Abstract

This contribution evaluates the development of international fisheries law over the past four decades, identifying how the legal framework has evolved and expanded to address key environmental and social challenges associated with fishing, including biodiversity loss, climate change, and labour standards. Notable developments in this period include the adoption of the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement, the establishment and reform of regional fisheries management organisations and arrangements, the increased focus on illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in multiple binding and non-binding instruments, and the emerging influence of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction.