International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing in the United States

Date: June 5th

History: The United Nations General Assembly officially designated June 5th as the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in 2017. This day was established to raise awareness of the global problem posed by IUU fishing, which undermines efforts to ensure sustainable fisheries and marine ecosystems. The date was chosen to mark the first meeting of the FAO's Committee on Fisheries in 1977.

Traditions: In the United States, there are no specific traditions associated with this day due to its relatively recent establishment. However, various events and activities are organized by governmental agencies such as NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), environmental NGOs, and other stakeholders in the fishing industry.

What People Do:

• Education and Awareness: Organizations conduct seminars, workshops, and social media campaigns to educate both industry stakeholders and the public about IUU fishing.
• Policy Discussions: Government representatives may hold discussions or briefings on current policies or proposed legislation aimed at combating IUU fishing.
• Collaborative Initiatives: Partnerships between government agencies, international bodies, NGOs, fishery managers, and industry members may be announced or highlighted.
• Advocacy: Environmental advocacy groups often use this day to lobby for stronger regulations or enforcement mechanisms related to IUU fishing.

On International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing in the United States, activities focus on raising awareness about IUU fishing issues and fostering collaboration among different sectors to combat these practices.