International legal arrangements for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing: legal mechanisms and challenges in Bangladesh

Abstract Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a significant global issue that threatens marine biodiversity, economic stability in coastal communities, and the international law of the sea and maritime law enforcement. This study analyzes the legal mechanisms and roles of international and regional arrangements in combating IUU fishing. It identifies enforcement challenges, resource limitations, and needs for capacity building as key gaps in the management of IUU fishing. This analysis focuses on a comprehensive identification of the current and enforceable laws within the international sphere. Furthermore, it specifically examines the legal framework of Bangladesh for IUU fishing and notes persistent enforcement and resource constraints. Challenges include enforcement gaps, inconsistencies in global coordination, and complexities in maritime jurisdiction. Bangladesh faces significant challenges with IUU fishing due to inadequate regulations, weak enforcement, and poor management. Foreign intrusions, unauthorized trawlers, and local violations exacerbate the depletion of crucial fish species and the loss of biodiversity. In the Bay of Bengal, the activities of Indian and Burmese fishermen within Bangladeshi territorial waters are leading to significant disturbances. These actions not only result in substantial economic losses for Bangladesh but also present major challenges due to their illegality. To effectively combat IUU fishing, Bangladesh requires robust legal frameworks, stringent monitoring, enhanced penalties, and international cooperation. Analysis and the identification of gaps in the case of Bangladesh can function as a pivotal guide for various stakeholders and may be employed as a critical model for academic and policy frameworks.