Recent developments to improve compliance with international fisheries law

Adequate conservation and management measures are necessary for the long-term sustainability of marine resources, but they are insufficient if vessels and States do not respect their obligations. Several recent initiatives are noteworthy in that their aim is to encourage flag States compliance with such obligations, improve the functioning of regional fisheries management organizations, and develop effective second lines of defense for when flag States fail to act. This article presents four such developments, analyzes their place in the current legal framework, and comments on their potential to promote compliance with relevant international law, including through the use of sanctions.