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PGA’s vision is to contribute to the creation of a Rules-Based International Order for a more equitable, safe, sustainable and democratic world.

Renewed Global Parliamentary Support for the Protection of the Ocean

The Sheng Chi Huei 12, a Taiwanese fishing vessel. Photo: Benjamin Lowy/Reportage; The Outlaw Ocean, Ian Urbina, The New York Times
The Sheng Chi Huei 12, a Taiwanese fishing vessel. Photo: Benjamin Lowy/Reportage; The Outlaw Ocean, Ian Urbina, The New York Times

This year, rising awareness about the importance of the ocean for all life on Earth has translated into a renewed compromise to robust protective international and domestic legal frameworks. Concern and prompt action are justified: persisting global Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing poses a direct threat to marine ecosystems and involves the violation of fundamental human rights. In addition, small-scale fisheries (SSF), fishers, and fish workers lack the proper protection to ensure sustainable development and poverty eradication. Even conservation and sustainable use of the Maritime Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ), including the High Seas, remain unaddressed.

As the democratically-elected representatives of the people, lawmakers have the voice, visibility, and legislative power to bring about change. For this reason, Parliamentarians for Global Action’s (PGA) Campaign for the Protection of the Oceans has set in motion a concerted effort to promote good “maritime” governance, which is already yielding concrete positive results.  

Parliamentary Questions to Ensure Protection of the Ocean

Several United Nations Agencies have together created a sound framework to end IUU fishing and its related human rights abuses. Commonly  referred to as the “Three Treaties”, these include the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA); the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Work in Fishing Convention No. 188 (C188); and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Cape Town Agreement (CTA).

During 2019, parliamentary questions have been raised by PGA members to their relevant Ministries on the status of ratification and implementation of the Three Treaties.

PGA President Margareta Cederfelt, MP (Sweden):

Chairman of PGA’s International Council Dip. Ito Bisonó (Dominican Republic):

PGA Board Member Dip. Tucapel Jimenez (Chile):

PGA Board member and Deputy Speaker Hon. Levy Nazaré, MP (São Tomé & Príncipe):

PGA Board Member Hon. Naveed Qamar, MP (Pakistan):

IMO’s Ministerial Conference: MPs Take the Floor

Of the Three Treaties, the CTA has yet to enter into force. Held on 21-23 October 2019 in Torremolinos, Málaga, the IMO Ministerial Conference on Fishing Vessel Safety and (IUU) Fishing focused on promoting its ratification. PGA was represented by its President Margareta Cederfelt, Board Member Hon. Levy Nazaré, and Chairwoman of CAR National Group Hon. Béatrice Epaye.

Margareta, Beatrice, and Levy


Nearly 50 States signed the Torremolinos Declaration as a public commitment to ensuring that the CTA will enter into force by the tenth anniversary of its adoption (11 October 2022). Among those were CAR and São Tomé & Príncipe, prompted by the actions of the PGA members. Three States deposited instruments of accession to the CTA, including São Tomé & Príncipe, to which PGA Board Member Hon. Levy Nazaré has been instrumental. 

During the Conference, PGA members took the floor to bring attention to an important issue: the need to involve parliamentarians in the process of strengthening and modernizing the legal protection of the oceans.


- Margareta Cederfelt, MP (Sweden), Vice-President of theOSCE Parliamentary Assembly, President of PGA


Levy Nazaré
Last month I have delivered a speech as Deputy Speaker in my Parliament, highlighting the importance of the Cape Town Agreement ratification for my country. (...) Based on our combined efforts, we were able to deposit the instrument of ratification yesterday. My question for you today is, are you thinking ahead? Ratification is great but, without implementation, it may be useless. Hon. Levy Nazaré, MP (São Tomé & Príncipe), Deputy Speaker, PGA Board Member

PGA’s 41st Annual Forum:  First International Parliamentary Oceans Day

Margareta Cederfelt

An important announcement was also made by PGA President Margareta Cederfelt at the IMO Conference: On 22 November 2019, the second day of its 41st Annual Forum in Praia, Cape Verde, PGA will be hosting the First International Parliamentary Oceans Day. Over 100 lawmakers from all over the world will join efforts to ratify the CTA, support sustainable SSF, and the adoption of a new treaty to protect the High Seas.

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Parliamentarians in Mozambique Assess Increasing Sustainability of Small-Scale Fisheries

This meeting brought parliamentarians from the National Assembly of Mozambique together with the Ministry of Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries, experts, and civil society representatives to reflect on opportunities to support the sustainable development of small-scale fisheries in Mozambique.

Building Resilience in Small-Scale Fishing Communities in South Africa: 3rd and 4th Roundtable Discussions

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These Roundtable Discussions on Building Resilience in Small-Scale Fishing Communities in South Africa, informed by expert presentations and local insights, sought to identify specific next steps that lawmakers may take to improve the livelihoods of their coastal constituents.