The 15th of September 2025 marked a milestone in the protection of the oceans: the Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) prohibiting subsidies for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and overfishing practices that degrade marine ecosystems entered into force.
After 20 years of negotiations, the agreement was ratified by more than 85 countries and the European Union, reaching the threshold necessary for global implementation.
Argentina and the South Atlantic: a key region in the fight against IUU fishing
The country ratified the agreement in July and reinforces its commitment to sustainable fishing.
Argentina played a strategic role in the negotiation process and ratified the agreement on July 22, 2025.
According to Milko Schvartzman, a specialist from the Círculo de Políticas Ambientales, the pact is essential to protect the marine ecosystem, coastal communities, and fishing sovereignty against foreign fleets operating unchecked in the Southwest Atlantic.
Mile 201: epicenter of illegal fishing in the Argentine Sea
The mile 201, located just outside the Argentine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), has become a critical biological corridor and the focus of IUU fishing.
There operate vessels from China, Korea, Taiwan, and Spain, mainly targeting Argentine shortfin squid, a key species for biodiversity and the national fishing economy.
Economic, ecological, and social impacts
Million-dollar losses and unfair competition for law-abiding fishermen
- Estimated losses: between 600 and 1,000 million dollars annually, equivalent to 30–50% of Argentine fishery exports
- Affected species: squid, hake, and other migratory species
- Illegal practices: turning off AIS systems, hidden transshipments, and untraceable fishing
- Social impact: job losses and pressure on coastal communities
Control strategies and international cooperation
Technology, surveillance, and sanctions to protect marine resources
Argentina combats illegal fishing through:
- Satellite monitoring: vessel detection and tracking software
- Maritime and aerial surveillance: operations by the Argentine Naval Prefecture
- Economic sanctions: fines calculated in Fishing Units, which can reach millions
- Environmental diplomacy: promotion of regional agreements and multilateral treaties
A new paradigm for ocean governance
The WTO agreement sends a clear signal: the ocean cannot continue subsidizing destruction.
Each illegally caught fish represents less food, fewer jobs, and reduced biodiversity.
With this agreement, the international community acknowledges the strategic value of the oceans and moves towards regulated, transparent, and equitable fishing.
