FAO holds PSMA workshop in Honduras
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) held a national workshop in Honduras related to the 2009 FAO Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA).
Over 15 participants from six different public institutions participated in the workshop, held between 17 – 21 July, during which they obtained a better understanding of the primary obligations foreseen in international instruments to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, port State, flag State, and coastal State responsibilities, and market related measures.
During the workshop, consultants reviewed and crosschecked with current procedures in place in Honduras, and put forward suggestions and opportunities that will help develop a national strategy and roadmap to effectively implement the PSMA, complementary international instruments and regional mechanisms to combat IUU fishing.
The workshop was organized within the framework of the support provided under the project “Responsible use of fisheries and aquaculture resources for sustainable development”, funded by the Kingdom of Norway.
In the coming months, a team of legal and MCS expert consultants will carry out a mission to Honduras to review the legal framework and the fishing monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) system. Based on the results of both reviews, FAO will then build a report that will provide the basis for the country to strengthen its policy and legal frameworks, establish institutional arrangements, and support its MCS system consistent with the provisions of the PSMA.