Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks
(New York, 4 August 1995) 

OBJECTIVES

         The United Nations Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks sets out principles for the conservation and management of those fish stocks and establishes that such management must be based on the precautionary approach and the best available scientific information. The Agreement elaborates on the fundamental principle, established in the Convention, that States should cooperate to ensure conservation and promote the objective of the optimum utilization of fisheries resources both within and beyond the exclusive economic zone.  The Agreement was adopted on 4 August 1995.  


KEY PROVISIONS

        The Agreement provides a framework for cooperation in the conservation and management of fisheries resources. It promotes good order in the oceans through the effective management and conservation of high seas resources by establishing, among other things, detailed minimum international standards for the conservation and management of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks; ensuring that measures taken for the conservation and management of those stocks in areas under national jurisdiction and in the adjacent high seas are compatible and coherent; ensuring that there are effective mechanisms for compliance and enforcement of those measures on the high seas; and recognizing the special requirements of developing States in relation to conservation and management as well as the development and participation in fisheries for straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks. 


ENTRY INTO FORCE

        The Agreement entered into force 11 November 2001, 30 days after the date of deposit of the thirtieth instrument of ratification.


HOW TO BECOME A PARTY

        The Agreement is closed for signature.  It is open for ratification and accession by States and other entities referred to in article 305, paragraph 1 (c), (d) and (e), of the Convention, and international organizations pursuant to Annex IX, article 1, of the Convention, subject to article 47 of the Agreement.  In cases where an international organization has competence over all the matters governed by the Agreement, its member States shall not become States Parties, except in respect of their territories for which the international organization has no responsibility.


OPTIONAL AND/OR MANDATORY DECLARATIONS

        A State or entity, when signing, ratifying or acceding to the Agreement, may make declarations or statements, however phrased or named, with a view, inter alia, to the harmonization of its laws and regulations with the provisions of the Agreement, provided that such declarations or statements do no purport to exclude or to modify the legal effect of the provisions of the Agreement in their application to that State or entity.
        In cases where an international organization referred to in Annex IX, article 1 of the Convention has competence over all matters governed by the Agreement, it shall make a declaration at the time of signing or accession concerning such competence and related matters.  


RESERVATIONS

        No reservations or exceptions may be made to the Agreement.


WITHDRAWAL/DENUNCIATION

        Denunciation is effected by a written notification to the Secretary-General and takes effect one year after the date of receipt, unless the notification specifies a later date.  


View the text:        English   French