The FAO issued a statement today saying that once the treaty comes into force, it will be the first ever legally binding international treaty focused specifically on the problem.

The FAO said today: "The treaty will also be the only one to enlist so called "non-flag states" in the fight against IUU fishing, alongside flag states that are primarily responsible for the conduct of vessel flying their flag on high seas."

IUU is often used to describe the wide range of fishing activities that are banned under the national and international laws of conventions, as most of the activities conducted under the act are regarded as fish piracy.

The FAO says that the most common IUU fishing violations involve fishing without licences and the use of illegal gears, the disregard for established fishing season by the illegal fishermen and fishing in closed areas and catches of illegal or undersized species. The agreement is set to enter into force once it is ratified by 25 countries including the European Union (which means the UK) ,Iceland, Norway and the United States.

An FAO statement said: "By signing the treaty, the governments are committing themselves to prevent, deter and eventually eliminate IUU fishing. This includes taking steps to guard their ports against vessels engaged in IUU fishing, thereby preventing fish from such vessels from entering international markets".

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