02 October 2014 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario deposited on 24 September 2014 to United Nations Undersecretary-General for Legal Affairs Miguel de Serpa Soares the Philippines’ instrument of ratification of the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks. The Fish Stocks Agreement, as the treaty is more universally known, outlines principles for the conservation and management of those fish stocks and establishes that such management must be based on the precautionary approach and the best available scientific information. It also elaborates on the fundamental principle established in UNCLOS that States should cooperate to ensure conservation and promote the objective of the optimum utilization of fisheries resources both within and beyond the exclusive economic zone. Over 80 countries are currently States Parties to the Agreement. Pursuant to Article 40, the Agreement shall enter into force for the Philippines on the 30th day following the deposit of the instrument of ratification, or on 24 October 2014. Ambassador Libran Cabactulan (left), Permanent Representative to the United Nations, accompanied Secretary Del Rosario. END