FAO.org

The Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) is the first binding international agreement to specifically target IUU fishing.

Its main objective is to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing by preventing vessels engaged in IUU fishing from using ports and landing their catches.

In this way, the agreement reduces the incentive of such vessels to continue to operate while it also blocks fishery products derived from IUU fishing from reaching national and international markets.

The effective implementation of the Agreement ultimately contributes to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources and marine ecosystems.

The provisions of the PSMA apply to fishing vessels seeking entry into a designated port of a State which is different to their flag State.