ICFA Outlines Global Fisheries Priorities Ahead of COFI 37

Reston, Virginia — The International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) has released its key priorities for the Thirty-Seventh Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI 37), which was September 7–11 in Rome.

ICFA called on FAO members to prioritize science-based fisheries management, sustainable use of marine resources, global food security, and the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The submission also emphasizes the important role of the UN FAO and Regional Fishery Bodies in international fisheries governance.

“Sustainably managed fisheries make an essential contribution to global food security, nutrition, employment and coastal communities,” said Ivan López, Chair of ICFA. “As governments meet at COFI, science and effective fisheries management must remain at the center of those discussions.”

Read ICFA’s full COFI 37 submission here.