China Joins Global Fight Against Illegal Fishing, Boosts PSMA Membership to 108
China has officially joined the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA), a significant step in the global fight against unlawful fishing practices. This decision, celebrated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), comes as China accounts for nearly 15 percent of global marine capture production.
The PSMA allows member countries to deny port access or services to foreign vessels suspected of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. With China's accession, the total number of PSMA Parties has risen to 82, including the European Union, bringing the overall count to 108. This marks a crucial turning point in the global effort to combat IUU fishing, which threatens marine ecosystems and food security.
Before China's inclusion, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia were the most recent countries to join the PSMA in March 2025. China's decision to support the PSMA sends a strong message about the importance of prioritizing sustainable fishing practices. In April 2025, China, represented by Director-General Qu Dongyu, engaged with the FAO to strengthen efforts against illegal fishing and promote the conservation of marine resources. Meanwhile, India has shown increasing interest in aligning with the PSMA's objectives but has not yet formally joined.
China's decision to join the PSMA is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the initiative and encourage more nations to join the fight against IUU fishing. With China's accession, the global community takes a significant step towards preserving marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fishing practices for future generations.
Read also:
- Cyprus, Kuwait Strengthen Strategic Partnership with Upcoming Ministerial Meeting
- BUND Protests Weser Deepening and Soybean Imports in Brake
- Philippines Demands Justice for Dafnie Nacalaban, Murdered Migrant Worker in Kuwait
- Trump administration faces lawsuit by Denmark's Ørsted over halted wind farm project
