Port States Measures Agreement
A FAO agreement adopted by the FAO Conference in 2009. The main purpose of the Port States Measures Agreement (PSMA) is to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing through the implementation of robust port state measures. The Agreement envisages that parties, in their capacities as port states, will apply the Agreement in an effective manner to foreign vessels when seeking entry to ports or while they are in port. The application of the measures set out in the Agreement will, inter alia, contribute to harmonized port state measures, enhanced regional and international cooperation and block the flow of IUU‑caught fish into national and international markets.