High seas fishing organizations fail to protect marine life as new un treaty approaches

A comprehensive new study reveals that most organizations responsible for managing fishing in international waters are falling short of their conservation goals, raising serious concerns about ocean protection as a groundbreaking UN biodiversity treaty prepares to take effect in January.

The research, published in Environmental Research Letters, evaluated 16 Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) that oversee fishing activities in the high seas—waters beyond any country’s jurisdiction. These organizations, some operating for decades, are tasked with conserving fish populations and marine ecosystems. However, the study found “generally low overall performance” across the board, with more than half of their target fish stocks currently overexploited or completely collapsed.

Lead researcher Gabrielle Carmine from Georgetown University conducted the first truly independent assessment of RFMO effectiveness, rating each organization based on 100 detailed management criteria. The evaluation examined everything from enforcement mechanisms to conservation measures, ultimately categorizing RFMOs as either “leaders” or “laggards”—with significantly more falling into the latter category.

This sobering assessment comes at a critical moment for ocean governance. The new UN Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, set to launch in January, will create additional layers of marine protection. However, the study’s findings raise important questions about whether existing fisheries management systems are prepared to work effectively within this new framework. The research underscores the urgent need for stronger, more effective ocean stewardship as marine ecosystems face mounting pressures from overfishing, climate change, and other environmental threats.