FAO Training Hub

State

In progress


Description

The Agreement on Port State Measures (PSM) is the first binding international treaty specifically targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It aims to prevent, deter and eliminate IUU fishing by preventing vessels engaged in it from using ports to land their catches. In this way, the AMERP reduces the incentives for these vessels to continue to operate and, in addition, slows down the flow of fish products derived from IUU fishing towards national and international markets. Effective implementation of the AMERP ultimately contributes to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of marine living resources and their ecosystems. The provisions of the AMERP apply to fishing vessels seeking entry to a designated port of a State which is different from their flag State.

In order to strengthen the implementation of the PSM, FAO coordinates a programme aimed at strengthening the capacities of the fisheries inspection bodies of the countries that are signatories to the Agreement. To this end, the FAO has created Regional Training Hubs in different geographical locations, with the Port of Vigo being the reference for training activities in Africa and Latin America.

The course methodology is based on theoretical and practical classes, with the aim of enabling participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the course to the real environment.



Expected results

Some of the expected results of inspectors’ training are:

  • Basic understanding of the importance of science-based fisheries management to achieve sustainable fisheries management.
  • Basic understanding of the role of fisheries inspectors.
  • Knowledge of the main international agreements, regulations and codes governing fisheries.
  • Detailed understanding of the Agreement on Port State Measures.
  • Understanding of the impacts of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and the importance of implementing measures to combat it.
  • Inspection procedures.
  • Knowledge of information collection and reporting procedures.

Contribution

Inclusive port: as it aims to strengthen the capacities of African and Latin American fisheries inspectors. To match this objective, a training programme was designed to respond to a current and global problem concerning the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. This project is an example of the integration of actors linked to the sea and the promotion of the blue economy.

Current state

The first training course took place at the Training Hub Port of Vigo last June. This course, coordinated by FAO and the support of the Port of Vigo, has had the technical and logistical support of the MARINNLEG Foundation. There were 12 inspectors from Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama and Peru who were trained by inspectors from the Xunta de Galicia, the General Secretariat of Maritime Fisheries and experts from FAO and the European Commission.

These trainings will be held every two years, so the next course is estimated to have place in November 2018, this time will be aimed for inspectors from Africa.