Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens the sustainability of fish stocks, damages marine ecosystems, and harms coastal communities worldwide. IUU fishing is a “crime of convergence”—linked to human trafficking, forced labor, organized crime, and corruption. Its consequences ripple through global supply chains, destabilizing maritime security, distorting markets, and fueling human rights abuses.
The IUU Fishing Action Alliance (IUU-AA) is the only global coalition dedicated solely to combating IUU fishing. Launched in 2022 by the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the Alliance brings together Member governments and civil society Supporters committed to coordinating efforts through information sharing, best practices, and collective action.
The Stimson Center serves as the IUU-AA Secretariat, providing operational support, organizing international meetings, and facilitating collaboration among Members and Supporters. Through deep-dive technical sessions, strategic outreach, and events at major forums like the Our Ocean Conference, Stimson helps the Alliance advance transparency initiatives, strengthen monitoring and surveillance, promote international agreements, and combat labor abuses in seafood supply chains.
