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Timor-Leste has become the 75th Party to the 2009 FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (PSMA), effectively becoming the 101st State to adhere to the Agreement.

Since entering into force in 2016, thirty days after the deposit of the instrument of accession by the 25th Party, the Agreement has now been embraced by three times as many Parties, covering a majority of port States around the world. 60% of coastal States in Asia are now Party to the Agreement.

The PSMA is the most cost-effective means for States to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Agreement sets minimum standards for Parties to follow to restrict fish caught through IUU fishing from entering the national or international markets.

FAO encourages remaining States to become a Party to the PSMA by depositing their instrument of accession with the FAO Director-General. For States that are already signatory to the PSMA, the instrument to be deposited could be that of ratification, acceptance, or approval.

FAO stands ready to provide support as required through [email protected].