Global sustainable development and poverty reduction require healthier and more sustainably managed oceans and seas. The fisheries sector alone is the main source of protein for 1 billion people, as well as being a major provider of livelihoods as it gives rise to some 5% to 10% of the world's food supply. There is growing pressure on the marine environment. The decline in marine biodiversity and the depletion of fish stocks are of increasing concern, as is the use of flags of convenience, particularly for fishing vessels, as a means to avoid management conservation measures. This is hardly a new phenomenon as the use of flags of convenience has been responsible for greatly reduced standards of safety and manning levels, leading to all manner of difficulties, accidents and disasters. The recent sinking of the Prestige has again demonstrated that tanker safety and pollution prevention have to be further improved.