10th Anniversary of the PSMA

High-Level Event marking the 10th Anniversary since the entry into force of the PSMA

On 7 September 2026, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) along with high-level representatives, will celebrate the ten years since the entry into force of the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (PSMA). 

The PSMA - a landmark achievement of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) - entered into force on 5 June 2016.

This high-level event provides an opportunity to reflect on the PSMA’s key achievements, while reaffirming collective commitment to strengthen implementation and effectiveness in support of sustainable fisheries and the long-term conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources and marine ecosystems.

The high-level event is being held at the Plenary Hall within FAO Headquarters, in Rome, Italy, and will be webcast. Delegates attending COFI and other FAO personnel are welcome to attend. Follow this page for the latest information.

High-Level Event

marking the 10th Anniversary of the entry into force of the

FAO Agreement on Port State Measures 

to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA)

Organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Programme

7 September 2026 – FAO Headquarters Plenary Hall

09:30 – 10:30h CEST

PSMA 10th Anniversary video

Keynote address by Dr QU Dongyu

FAO Director-General

Ministerial Panel:

• H.E. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Ghana;
• H.E. Jelta Wong, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Papua New Guinea;
• H.E. Catherine Chabaud, Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fisheries, France;
• Ms Xiao Fang, Director General of the Bureau of Fisheries on behalf of H.E. Zhang Zhu, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, People's Republic of China;
• Dr. Ruth Perry, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Ocean, Fisheries, and Polar Affairs, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, United States of America;
• Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Shaikhi, Assistant Deputy Minister for Fisheries, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Deposit of new instruments of accession

presided by Ms Donata Rugarabamu, FAO Legal Counsel

Closing remarks by Mr Peter Thomson

UN Special Envoy for the Ocean

Facilitated by Mr Matthew Camilleri, FAO Senior Fisheries Officer and PSMA Secretary