Cape Town Agreement 2012 Ratification Status

The Cape Town Agreement of 2012 is an international treaty that aims to improve the safety of fishing vessels and their crews, as well as combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in November 2012 and entered into force on 11 July 2016.

The agreement requires fishing vessels of 24 meters in length and above to comply with safety measures and undergo inspections in port. It also calls for the establishment of a legal framework to facilitate the sharing of information among countries on IUU fishing activities.

As of now, 14 countries have ratified the Cape Town Agreement, including Belgium, Congo, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and Tuvalu. These countries have shown their commitment to improving the safety and security of fishing vessels and crews, as well as addressing the issue of IUU fishing, which poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity and sustainability.

However, more ratifications are needed to achieve the widespread adoption of the agreement and its effective implementation. The IMO Secretary-General, Kitack Lim, has called on more countries to join the effort and ratify the agreement to ensure that the safety of fishing vessels and crews is improved, and IUU fishing is effectively combated.

In conclusion, the Cape Town Agreement of 2012 is a vital tool in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and for improving the safety and security of fishing vessels and their crews. The ratification by 14 countries is a positive step, but further ratification is needed to ensure its full implementation and effectiveness. It is imperative that more countries join the effort and ratify this critical agreement to achieve a sustainable future for our oceans.