EU PROPOSAL FOR A CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT MEASURE ON MINIMUM STADARDS FOR PORT STATE MEASURES IN NPFC

The purpose of this proposal is to strengthen the existing NPFC legal framework by adopting Minimum Port State Measures (PSMs) which are an essential enforcement tool for combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and promoting sustainable fisheries management in the region and worldwide. By implementing standardized inspections, PSMs will contribute effectively to detecting and deterring IUU activities and verifying compliance with NPFC conservation measures. This will also improve the accuracy of catch data reporting, which is crucial for sustainable fish stock management. PSMs will allow coastal and port states to build a regional network that will operate as an additional layer of enforcement, ensuring that vessels comply with NPFC regulations before landing their catch. The adoption and implementation of minimum PSMs will allow NPFC to align with other RFMOs and with international best practices and contribute further to strengthening global efforts to eliminate IUU fishing and subsequently protecting the economic stability of legal fisheries and preventing overfishing and ecosystem damages, ensuring long-term sustainability of NPFC fisheries.