THE Port State Measures Agreement “marks the dawn of a new era in the effort to combat illegal fishing” but rapid action is needed to make sure its implementation is effective, FAO director-general José Graziano da Silva said at an event held to celebrate the world’s first international treaty specifically aimed at tackling illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The PSMA treaty, shepherded by FAO since 2009, requires foreign vessels to submit to inspections at any port of call and for port states to share information on violations. An improvement on prior rules requiring countries to control the activities of their own fishing fleets, the new agreement is designed to raise the cost of IUU fishing as it blocks improperly caught fish from being brought to land and entering markets.

“FAO is working to deliver immediate support to those countries that are most in need of it,” Mr Graziano da Silva said.

Implementation of the agreement may prove challenging for some nations, especially developing and small island states because of resource and capacity constraints.

The treaty went into force last month and more than 30 nations as well the European Union on behalf of its 28 members have acceded to the treaty. More countries have initiated the accession process.

The agreement had an article that explicitly enjoins parties to the treaty and international organisations to provide assistance and funding. The Republic of Korea had confirmed it would make a financial contribution, and other parties should follow suit, Mr Graziano da Silva said.

FAO has set up an inter-regional Technical Co-operation Program and a Global Capacity Development Umbrella Program to support logistical, legislative and legal aspects of translating the agreement into practice.

“Generations to come will recognise the importance of this achievement, your achievement,” Mr Graziano da Silva said.

“For Africa, fish are as strategic as maize. Overfishing puts sustainable food security at risk,” said President Alpha Condé of the Republic of Guinea who has strongly championed the importance of fisheries to African nations.

He pledged to campaign across the continent for the treaty and in defense of local fishing communities.