THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF SOFT LAW IN INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES LAW

This present essay will seek to analyse the increasing importance of non-legally binding instruments, by focusing on the example of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the four FAO-IPOAs, in the development of international fisheries law and in responding to global fisheries problems. Their growing significance can be assessed through the examination of their nature and level of acceptance (implementation) as well as through the analysis of their effect.