Distant water fishing (DWF) has existed for centuries and intensified in recent decades. International Fisheries Access Agreements (IFAAs) were developed during the last thirty years and constitute the legal framework under which DWF activities occur.
This report provides a comparative analysis of IFAAs and related research with a view to identifying gaps and challenges, and synthesizing experiences, success stories and best practices.
The publication complements UNCTAD's ongoing work and earlier studies on sustainably harnessing the potential of fisheries and aquaculture resources for socioeconomic development in countries that have rich marine and freshwater resources.
Based on the analysis, the report provides recommendations on why, when and how best to use IFAAs to secure income, improve global fisheries sustainability, and support value addition and exports, with a focus on the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities and their access to resources, services and markets.
The report draws lessons from coastal countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Country (LDC) nations, where UNCTAD is implementing fisheries development projects, to guide policies on the relevance and opportunities for negotiating international fisheries access arrangements.
