The International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, observed annually on June 5th, was established by the United Nations in 2017 to combat illegal fishing activities that threaten marine ecosystems, livelihoods, and food security. IUU fishing undermines global efforts to ensure the sustainable management of fish stocks and the protection of marine biodiversity, while also negatively impacting coastal communities that rely on fishing for their survival.

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing occurs in various forms, including fishing without proper authorization, misreporting catch sizes, and violating quotas or seasonal restrictions. It leads to overfishing, depletes fish populations, disrupts marine ecosystems, and contributes to economic losses for legitimate fisheries. The day aims to raise awareness about the severity of these practices and the need for coordinated international efforts to strengthen fisheries management and enforcement of regulations.

On this day, governments, organizations, and communities around the world promote the use of sustainable fishing methods, improved monitoring, and stronger regulations to address IUU fishing. The day also emphasizes the importance of transparency, traceability, and cooperation among nations to reduce illegal fishing activities.

By supporting responsible fishing practices and enhancing global cooperation, the International Day for the Fight against IUU Fishing aims to protect marine resources for future generations and ensure that fishing can continue to provide food, jobs, and economic stability in a sustainable way.