New agreement establishing global port state measures to combat IUU fishing

摘要

The Agreement will help to combat IUU fishing because it increases coordination among states at regional and interregional levels. It uses this coordination in detailing mandatory minimal PSMs to deny access to, or use of, ports in a number of relevant circumstances while bearing in mind that the sovereignty over ports in their territory allows ports states to apply more stringent measures. The Agreement is aimed to be thorough in application by recognising the need to assist developing countries to adopt and implement PSMs while detailing cost efficient requirements for port states to inspect suspect vessels. If it is widely adopted and enforced, the Agreement will have a profound impact in limiting the continuation of IUU fishing and its detrimental effect upon fish stocks and marine ecosystems. In achieving this, the Agreement will serve to promote the livelihoods of legitimate fishers and the attainment of food security on a global basis.