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The agreement governing fishing ports requires member countries to carry out regular inspections, among other measures. (Photo: FAO)
FAO approves State Ports accord
 WORLDWIDE
Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 00:20 (GMT + 9)
The Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Conference approved the Legally-Binding Instrument for the Application of State Port Measures destined to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by 106 votes in favour, 12 abstentions and only two votes against on Sunday 22 November.
Some Latin American countries had asked that the Agreement be moved to the Fishing Committee (COFI), which could carry its non-approval until 2011. However, said proposal was rejected by a wide majority. The Conference members then voted on the Resolution bill that had been distributed originally, with the Text of the Agreement as elaborated by the Technical Consultation in August of this year.
Following the approval, twelve delegations, among them, those of Uruguay and the European Community, proceeded to sign the same.
The agreement will enter into force 30 days after the date in which the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or adhesion of conformity has been deposited before the 25th Depository.
The approved agreement establishes that foreign fishing vessels that seek to enter a port will have to do so only in those especially designated. In addition, they will be forced to ask for permission in due time, presenting information on their activities and the fish they carry onboard. In so doing, authorities will have an opportunity to detect illicit activities in advance.
The treaty also obliges countries to carry out regular inspections and sets forth a series of norms that will have to be observed during these inspections. The reason is because the examination of the ship’s documentation, its fishing gear, captures and the log book can often reveal if a ship has engaged in poaching activities.
Countries that have already signed the FAO Agreement are: Angola, Brazil, Chile, the European Community (by 27 countries), Japan, Indonesia, Norway, Samoa, the United States and Uruguay.
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
Photo Courtesy of FIS Member  FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department -Headquarter-
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