Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fisheries Resources in the North Pacific Ocean: accession of the European Union

The European Parliament adopted by 675 votes to 4, with 16 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision concerning the accession of the European Union to the Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fisheries Resources in the North Pacific Ocean.

Parliament gave its consent to the draft Council decision.

The Convention was signed on 24 February 2012 and entered into force on 19 July 2015. At its sixth annual session, held from 23 to 25 February 2021, the North Pacific Fisheries Commission accepted the European Union's application for accession to the Convention. The EU had submitted several applications to join the Convention, in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

The aim of the Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fishery Resources in the North Pacific Ocean is to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources in the Convention Area while protecting the North Pacific marine ecosystems in which these resources occur.

By acceding to the Convention, the EU intends to provide access to fisheries resources in the Convention area for the Member States and Union vessels concerned. Accession to the North Pacific Ocean Convention creates new opportunities for Union vessels. It will promote consistency in the EU's approach to conservation across the oceans and strengthen its commitment to long-term conservation and sustainable use of the world's fisheries resources.