Pew Lauds Ratification of Cape Town Agreement for Maritime Safety

The Pew Charitable Trusts has expressed approval following the ratification of the Cape Town Agreement (CTA). This international treaty, backed by major fishing nations including Argentina, is set to be enforced next year. It aims to enhance safety standards for fishing vessels, thereby ensuring better protection for crew members and observers.

The CTA establishes benchmarks for industrial vessel construction, emergency procedures, and other safety measures. This treaty addresses a critical gap, as previous global standards were lacking. Research indicates that the fishing sector sees over 100,000 fatalities annually, highlighting the treaty's potential impact on reducing these numbers.

Beyond safety, the CTA is also expected to aid in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Enhanced safety governance will facilitate the detection and prevention of such activities. With the CTA's implementation, a strengthened global effort towards better ocean governance is forecasted.