The 1995 Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks was a significant international treaty that aimed to address the overfishing of straddling fish stocks. These fish stocks are those that extend beyond the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of coastal states into areas beyond national jurisdiction.

The agreement was a response to growing concerns about the depletion of fish stocks and the impact on the ocean ecosystem. The parties to the agreement recognized the need for cooperative action to ensure the conservation and management of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks.

The agreement established a framework for cooperation among coastal states and fishing nations in the management of straddling fish stocks. Under the agreement, coastal states were given primary responsibility for the conservation and management of straddling fish stocks within their EEZs.

However, fishing nations were also given the right to fish for these stocks in areas beyond national jurisdiction, subject to the condition that their fishing activities did not have an adverse impact on the conservation and management of these stocks.

The agreement also provided for the establishment of regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) to facilitate cooperation among coastal states and fishing nations in the management of straddling fish stocks. These organizations were tasked with developing and implementing conservation and management measures for these stocks in the relevant areas.

The agreement was a significant step forward in the global effort to conserve and manage straddling fish stocks. It recognized the importance of cooperation among coastal states and fishing nations in addressing the complex challenges associated with the conservation and management of these stocks.

Today, the 1995 Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks continues to be an essential legal instrument for the conservation and management of these valuable resources. It is a testament to the power of international cooperation in addressing global challenges and ensuring the sustainability of our oceans.