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News Summary
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Recent reports indicate significant progress in global efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. A study published by Stanford University’s Center for Ocean Solutions on September 5, 2025, reveals that the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) is having a positive impact. Landings at PSMA ports have doubled between 2016 and 2021, while vessels now travel nearly twice as far to reach non-PSMA ports, increasing costs for illegal operators. China’s accession to the treaty in early 2025 marks a crucial milestone, given its status as the world’s largest fishing fleet operator. The European Union is reinforcing its commitment through improved transparency and digitalization of catch certification, with stricter import controls planned for January 2026. However, challenges persist, including inconsistent enforcement standards between foreign and domestic fleets, which may undermine the treaty’s effectiveness.
Source: state.gov-Treaties: Text of Treaties and Agreements Published in TIAS
Our Commentary
Background and Context
The fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has been a global priority for years, with the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) emerging as a key tool in this effort. The PSMA, which came into force in 2016, aims to prevent vessels engaged in IUU fishing from using ports and landing their catches, effectively cutting off their access to markets.
Expert Analysis
The recent Stanford University study provides encouraging evidence of the PSMA’s effectiveness. The doubling of landings at PSMA ports and the increased travel distances for vessels to reach non-PSMA ports suggest that the agreement is creating significant obstacles for illegal fishing operations.
Key points:
- China’s participation in the PSMA is a game-changer, given its massive fishing fleet
- The EU’s commitment to stricter import controls by 2026 will further tighten the net on IUU fishing
- Inconsistent enforcement remains a critical challenge to be addressed
Additional Data and Fact Reinforcement
The PSMA’s impact is evidenced by several key statistics:
- Landings at PSMA ports doubled between 2016 and 2021
- Vessels now travel nearly twice as far to reach non-PSMA ports
- China’s accession to the treaty in early 2025 brings the world’s largest fishing fleets under PSMA regulations
Related News
The ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty and the WHO Pandemic Agreement, while not directly related to fishing, demonstrate the broader trend of international cooperation on environmental and health issues. These efforts, like the PSMA, require global consensus and face similar challenges in implementation and enforcement.
Summary
The latest data on the PSMA’s effectiveness shows promising progress in the fight against IUU fishing. However, the battle is far from over, with enforcement consistency and global participation remaining crucial factors. As more nations join and strengthen their commitments, the international community moves closer to sustainable management of global fisheries.
