Mundus maris

2023 will be a year focused on implementing international agreements. We will continue to prioritise action in support of prosperous and sustainable artisanal fisheries through the Small-Scale Fisheries Academy with emphasis on the implementation of global Sustainable Development Goals and the Voluntary Guidelines for Ensuring Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries at local and national levels underpinned by academic work. In this context, we shall continue participating in advocacy with the WTO and its member states to ratify the agreement for phasing out harmful fisheries subsidies while also engaging in further negotiations to close remaining gaps. The “Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework,” adopted at COP15 in December 2022 sets global targets for urgent action between now and 2030. Target 3—the 30 by 30 goal—is the most momentous and needs to be pursued with engaged and informed consent for siting of protected land and marine waters by indigenous groups and artisanal fishers and farmers. The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) is gaining momentum to improve our understanding of the ocean and enhance ocean literacy. We will, among others contribute again with activities on and around World Ocean Day, 8 June.