Healthy fishing grounds are the basis of work, trade and food for millions of people along coastlines around the world. Managed sustainably, fish can also benefit future generations as a renewable resource, contributing to inclusive growth and social stability.

The importance of the fisheries sector is also reflected in the current version of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 14 states, "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development." [More]

Transparency is particularly important for this. One of the main problems in commercial fishing is the secrecy or inadequate provision of information regarding fishing agreements, fishing quotas and techniques, etc. Only if this secrecy is ended, it can finally be judged whether the fish resources of a country are managed and used for the benefit of all.

From May 2017 to December 2019, the Berlin Governance Platform provided the International Secretariat of the FiTI and supported various states in implementing the FiTI Standard.

At the request of the Government of Seychelles, the International Secretariat was transferred to Seychelles in early January 2020 and institutionalized there. The FiTI has since been established as a multi-stakeholder partnership in its own right, advocating for sustainability and a level playing field in marine fisheries worldwide.

For more information on the Fisheries Transparency Initiative, click here.