On 5 December 2017 the United Nations General Assembly agreed to a resolution proposed by FAO on sustainable fisheries, thereby declaring 5 June as the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.

The first International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing was celebrated for the first time on 5 June 2018, with FAO as the lead agency for the new international day. The date was selected because 5 June is the date, in 2016, when the first international treaty designed to end illegal fishing – the FAO Port State Measures Agreement – entered into force.

This international day is an important opportunity to highlight efforts taking place globally, regionally and nationally to combat illegal fishing. We welcome all efforts by member countries, fisherfolk organizations, civil society organizations, the fisheries industry and consumer groups to spotlight the importance of the fight against illegal fishing on this international day.