Why Illegal Fishing is Becoming a National Security Issue

At the State Department’s “Our Ocean” conference this week, environmentalists need to engage with the security community.

This week, Secretary of State John Kerry is gathering world leaders in Washington, D.C., for a major conference on protecting the oceans. Included on the program are key issues such as ocean pollution, sustainable fishing and protection of marine parks.

This is a strong biodiversity and conservation agenda, but notably absent is how these traditional environmental challenges are a threat to U.S. and global security. Illegal fishing — one of the most important drivers of ecological catastrophe — has become inextricably linked with a variety of illicit behaviors, including transnational organized crime. 

Read the full article on Politico here.

Subscription Options

* indicates required

Research Areas

Pivotal Places

Publications & Project Lists

38 North: News and Analysis on North Korea