Fisheries Regulation in the Central Arctic Ocean: Background, Motivations and Aspirations of the 2018 Caof Agreement

The 2018 Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean (CAOF Agreement) is a unique international treaty. It sets up conditions for potential future (commercial) fisheries in the central Arctic Ocean, furthered by climate change, until ecosystem dynamics are well understood. As a product of balancing interests of various stakeholders after a multi-year drafting process, the agreement protects both fish stocks and the environment. Based on international maritime law, scientific research and principles of international environmental law, such as the precautionary approach, it sets a precedent for future fisheries agreements.