Implementation of Port State Measures: Legislative Template Framework for Procedures Role of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations

Implementation of these measures by all port States, using minimum standards agreed at global and regional levels, is of vital importance for the sustainability of the tuna and other fisheries resources occurring in all marine areas.
The entry into force of the FAO Agreement on port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing on 5 June 2016 reflected the successful culmination of global efforts to combat IUU fishing by setting harmonized minimum standards for measures to be taken at port. It targets IUU fishing and fishing related activities in support of such fishing, and its reach extends to areas within and beyond national jurisdiction. Many regional fishery management organizations (RFMOs) and some countries have been active in preparing for entry into force, but the development and adoption of national implementing legislation has become imperative.
This document provides a legislative template and related information for use by port States and, as appropriate, to facilitate those initial steps. The document was developed in the framework of the Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna Project funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the FAO.
The Common Oceans ABNJ Tuna Project harnesses the efforts of a large and diverse array of partners, including the five tuna RFMOs, governments, inter-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations and private sector.
The Project aims to achieve responsible, efficient and sustainable tuna production and biodiversity conservation in the ABNJ focusing on three thematic areas including:
• Improving management
• Combatting IUU fishing
• Protecting biodiversity
Under the second thematic area, the Project supports the implementation of port State measures, as well as other actions to empower States in their fight against IUU fishing.