The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) celebrates the entry into force of the Port State Measures Agreement to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA). More than 30 countries, as well as the European Union on behalf of its 28 member states, are already parties to the PSMA, the world’s first ever binding international treaty specifically targeting Illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing.

Adopted as an FAO Agreement in 2009, this ground-breaking accord went into effect on 5 June 2016 and is now legally binding for the parties and regional organizations that have adhered to it.

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Marine ecosystems are believed to hold the key to our origins and have the potential to determine our future. The health of our planet depends on how we treat our oceans and seas.

The blue world contains 50-80% of life on Earth. The blue world provides a vital source of food and nutrition. The blue world generates employment and trade. Seafood trade globally in 2015: $135 billion, the largest food export in the world. Developing countries account for some 60% of total fishery exports.  

Illegal fishing is a global threat to ecosystem, food security, economic health. Illegal fishing captures up to 26 million tonnes of seafood per year, or more than 15% of the world’s total annual capture fisheries output. Illegal fishing particularly affects developing countries, but also hampers efforts for sustainable fisheries management worldwide. Approximately 1 in 10 people rely on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods.  

Years of diplomatic efforts promoted by FAO resulted in the first ever binding international treaty on illegal fishing. A set of measures and proceduresto ensure countries deny landings of illegally-caught fish that could enter into markets and onto the plates of unsuspecting consumers.  

As countries around the world adhere to the treaty, FAO invites all governments to join this collective push to stamp out illegal fishing: The FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.  

Protecting our natural resources. Safeguarding sustainable fisheries to help feed the world.

"I hope that more and more countries will join FAO in this global effort and show their commitment to legal and sustainable fisheries", José Graziano da Silva, FAO Director-General.

Achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Ensuring Sustainable Food Security. Building the Zero Hunger Generation.

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