The RPOA-IUU Secretariat attended the FAO Regional Coordination Meeting on the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) and complementary instruments for the Asia Region, held in Davao, Philippines, from 21–25 July 2025.
Discussions focused on the status of the 2009 PSMA and related international instruments, emphasizing the interconnected roles of Flag, Port, Coastal, and Market States in combating IUU fishing. Participants reviewed responsibilities such as vessel control by Flag States, port entry and inspection procedures by Port States, resource management by Coastal States, and traceability and trade measures by Market States.
A regional snapshot highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen vessel registration, authorization systems, port inspections, transshipment oversight, and Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) frameworks. Countries reported progress but also shared challenges, including outdated databases, limited inter-agency coordination, gaps in VMS coverage, and inconsistencies in transshipment monitoring. Recommendations included harmonizing electronic systems, improving data sharing, enhancing analytical skills, and boosting cooperation among neighboring States.
The meeting also discussed national achievements and remaining gaps in PSMA implementation, updates on regional MCS systems, and the use of the PSMA Global Information Exchange System. A list of binding and non-binding international instruments relevant to IUU fishing was also reviewed.
Overall, the meeting underscored the need for stronger coordination, capacity building, and harmonized policies to advance sustainable and effective fisheries governance in the region.