Port State Measures Agreement Members

Particular attention should also be paid to the implementation of the ASDP in order to ensure compliance with commitments through effective measures and the proper application of the provisions of the agreement. Countries note that the agreement is an inexpensive instrument to combat illegal fishing. Sending patrol ships to pursue and possibly arrest illegal operators at sea is costly and dangerous. In comparison, surveillance in the port is safer and less expensive. To support efforts to end illegal fishing, The Pew Charitable Trusts is committed to implementing in a harmonised manner three international agreements aimed at making it more difficult for unscrupulous operators to exploit loopholes in national and regional fisheries legislation. Port State measures (MSPs) are port State requirements or interventions that a foreign fishing vessel must comply with or is subject to a precondition for the use of ports within the port State. In general, national MSPs would include requirements for prior notification of port entry, use of designated ports, entry restrictions and fish landing/transshipment, restrictions on supplies and services, documentation and port inspection, as well as related measures such as the inclusion of IUU vessels, trade measures and penalties. Source: The Pew Charitable Trusts Author: Dawn Borg Costanzi Strengthening port governance reduces the risk of illegal fish entering the market, one of the main threats to ocean health is illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which accounts for up to 1 in 5 wild catches. IUU fishing jeopardizes the viability of […] Source: Stop illegal fishing Illegal fishermen will find it increasingly difficult to market their catch, with Kenya ahead of the 51st country to be part of the Port State Police Agreement (PSMA). This international treaty aims to put an end to illegal fishing by strengthening controls on fishing vessels in access to port services. By adhering to the MAHP, port States are showing that they are taking their responsibilities seriously and ensuring continued access to important markets where seafood buyers are committed to ending IUU fishing. The application of the MAHP is not limited to the parties. To put an end to IUU fishing, all States must monitor the operation of vessels flying their flag and coastal States must monitor their waters.

And both need to verify and exchange information with port states so they can make informed decisions. The Contracting Party to the Agreement expressed a country`s willingness to combat IUU fishing, but it was equally necessary to implement its provisions. Source: Undercurrent News Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada`s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and coast Guard, and Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister, announced earlier this week the ratification of an international agreement that would improve the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. As a statement by the government . . . To defeat their capture of the vessel, fishermen engaged in IUU operations have traditionally relied on a number of tactics and loopholes in national law and administrative procedures. .

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