In February 2025, the Korean Maritime Institute (KMI) and the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) brought together officials, stakeholders, and experts for an informal workshop on one of the most challenging issues in global fisheries governance: how to manage fishing on the high seas where no Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) exists.
Often referred to as “unregulated” fisheries, these are not necessarily illegal—but they do raise sustainability concerns. Without international agreements or coordinated oversight, it becomes nearly impossible to assess the health of fish stocks or manage fishing effort sustainably. The lack of monitoring and reporting also poses risks to the long-term viability of the fisheries and may create tensions between fishing nations and adjacent coastal States.
The workshop focused on identifying practical, cooperative steps to enhance transparency and sustainability in these areas. Discussions centred around three key priorities:
- fostering science and data-led collaboration,
- ensuring sustainability, and
- Stimulating trust and engagement among States and industry.
Participants agreed that science should lead the way. The absence of comprehensive data makes effective management difficult, and no single country can gather all the information needed. Collaborative scientific efforts—such as shared data collection and joint stock assessments—were seen as a low-risk, high-value starting point. One promising case identified for such cooperation was the squid fishery in FAO Area 41 of the South Atlantic.
Second, the group underlined that sustainability—not just regulation—should be the ultimate goal. By improving reporting and addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in an integrated way, stakeholders can make meaningful progress toward sustainable, long-term management of high seas resources.
Finally, the workshop recognised the need to build trust and incentivise engagement. Participants noted that both government and industry actors often lack motivation to participate in voluntary governance frameworks. Market-based incentives, greater transparency, and open dialogue were identified as tools to change that. They also saw potential in engaging with new forums like the FAO Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management and learning from past cooperative models—such as the Standing Committee on Tuna and Billfish (SCTB), which laid the scientific groundwork for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
Rather than proposing new legal frameworks or institutions, the workshop emphasised a step-by-step approach to cooperation—grounded in science, trust, and mutual interest. As global fisheries face increasing pressure, these kinds of informal, inclusive discussions may offer a realistic and constructive way forward.
Second, the group underlined that sustainability—not just regulation—should be the ultimate goal. By improving reporting and addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in an integrated way, stakeholders can make meaningful progress toward sustainable, long-term management of high seas resources.
Finally, the workshop recognised the need to build trust and incentivise engagement. Participants noted that both government and industry actors often lack motivation to participate in voluntary governance frameworks. Market-based incentives, greater transparency, and open dialogue were identified as tools to change that. They also saw potential in engaging with new forums like the FAO Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management and learning from past cooperative models—such as the Standing Committee on Tuna and Billfish (SCTB), which laid the scientific groundwork for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
Rather than proposing new legal frameworks or institutions, the workshop emphasised a step-by-step approach to cooperation—grounded in science, trust, and mutual interest. As global fisheries face increasing pressure, these kinds of informal, inclusive discussions may offer a realistic and constructive way forward.
