IISD Coverage: Daily Highlights of the Ocean Conference

On Wednesday, plenary continued the general debate. Member States drew attention to institutional developments for implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; highlighted commitments to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and to increase coverage of marine protected areas (MPAs) in their territorial waters; and stressed the importance to fully implement the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development and proceed with subsidies’ reform.

In the morning, a partnership dialogue addressed making fisheries sustainable. Participants discussed the role of MPAs in sustainable fisheries and criteria for other area-based conservation measures; challenges related to IUU fishing and fisheries subsidies; and cooperation and partnerships to build sustainable fisheries.

In the afternoon, a partnership dialogue focused on increasing economic benefits to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and providing access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets. Participants addressed the role of small-scale fishing in the economies of SIDS and LDCs and in communities’ livelihoods; prerequisites for improving market access, including in relation to infrastructure development, access to technology and organization through cooperatives; and diversification of local ocean economies beyond fisheries.