BALI, INDONESIA – Parties to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) have agreed to strengthen measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. A strategy to improve PSMA compliance was endorsed at the 4th Conference of the Parties, hosted by the Government of Indonesia, in Bali from 8-12 May.
Parties pledged to expand ship inspections, share global information and improve developing countries’ ability to combat IUU fishing. To facilitate these efforts, Parties agreed to transition the Global Information Exchange System (GIES), a digital system developed by FAO, from its current pilot phase to a fully operational system by the end of the year.
Manuel Varanger, Director General of FAO’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, emphasized FAO’s cooperation with national and regional fisheries management bodies to combat IUU fishing. This includes reviewing national laws, strengthening institutional capacity, and improving monitoring and monitoring systems for effective implementation of the PSMA and other international instruments to promote sustainable fisheries.
The PSMA is the first binding international agreement of its kind to allow foreign vessels involved in IUU fishing to enter ports, land their catch, and even enter countries denied entry. and aims to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing. This will serve as an important tool in preventing IUU fishing products from entering international markets. Currently, one-third of fish stocks are overfished and sustainable management is essential to meet the growing demand for seafood.
With 75 Parties to the PSMA, including the European Union on behalf of Member States, PSMA has the highest membership rate of any international fisheries organization, representing 59 percent of port states worldwide. Timor-Leste became the newest party to join the agreement at the end of last month.
The Global Information Exchange System (GIES) plays an important role in supporting the implementation of the PSMA and facilitating the exchange of critical information such as inspection reports and measures against foreign vessels engaged in IUU fishing. Better information sharing and digitization are essential to effectively combat IUU fishing, as Matthew Camilleri, Senior Fisheries Officer and Leader of the Global and Regional Fisheries Processes Team in FAO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, emphasizes. It is believed that
The fourth meeting of the parties reaffirmed their support for a global capacity building programme. The program has already helped more than 50 developing countries improve their ability to fight IUU fishing. The PSMA, which entered into force in June 2016, convenes parties every two years to discuss issues related to its implementation. The 4th Conference of the Parties received financial support from the Norwegian government to further strengthen global efforts to combat IUU fishing.
EU regulations to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
The EU has implemented Regulation (EC) No. 1005/2008 on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU). The regulation aims to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing activities by providing a comprehensive framework that includes measures such as vessel inspections, traceability systems, and import restrictions on seafood.
International Day to Combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
The International Day to Fight Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU) is held on 5th June each year. The day aims to raise awareness of the harmful effects of IUU fishing and encourage international cooperation to combat this destructive practice.
FAO International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate IUU Fishing
The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) has developed the International Plan of Action (IPOA) to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing. This comprehensive plan provides a framework for countries to address IUU fishing through effective policies, legal measures, surveillance systems, and international cooperation.
FAO International Plan of Action (IPOA) to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate IUU Fishing
The FAO’s International Plan of Action (IPOA) to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing is a global initiative aimed at combating IUU fishing activities. It outlines a set of guidelines and recommendations for countries to enhance their fisheries management systems, strengthen monitoring and control measures, improve data collection and analysis, and foster international cooperation to address IUU fishing effectively. The IPOA serves as a framework to promote sustainable fisheries and protect marine ecosystems.
Source: Google News