China has officially joined the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA), becoming the 108th state to do so. As the world’s largest producer of marine capture fisheries, China’s decision plays a crucial role in the global effort to fight unlawful fishing practices that threaten marine ecosystems and food security.
The PSMA is an international treaty designed to promote sustainable fishing by preventing illegally caught fish from entering markets. This agreement allows member countries to deny port access or services to foreign vessels suspected of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. By implementing this mechanism, only legally and properly regulated catches can be landed, traded, and consumed, thereby supporting the long-term sustainability of fisheries.
Tools such as the Global Record of Fishing Vessels and the PSMA Global Information Exchange System (GIES) empower port authorities to track vessels and share compliance data.
China's inclusion in the PSMA is being celebrated as a significant turning point by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu stated that this move reflects a growing global commitment to responsible fishing and the conservation of ocean resources. He emphasized that China's participation enhances the effectiveness of the PSMA and encourages more nations to join the initiative.
In 2023, China accounted for nearly 15 percent of global marine capture production, making it a crucial player in global fisheries. With a fishing fleet comprising over 500,000 vessels, of which 342,000 are motorized, China ranks among the top three countries in terms of fishing capacity. Its decision to support the PSMA sends a strong message to the international community about the importance of prioritizing sustainable fishing practices.
India has not yet formally joined the PSMA, but it has shown increasing interest in aligning with its objectives. In February 2025, the FAO, in collaboration with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation, organized a national workshop in Kochi to raise awareness and explore the potential benefits of the agreement for India’s fisheries governance.
Before China's inclusion, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia were the most recent countries to join the PSMA in March 2025. With China's accession, the total number of PSMA Parties has risen to 82, including the European Union, which represents all its member states. This brings the overall count of countries bound by the agreement to 108. The PSMA currently boasts the highest adherence rate among all global fisheries and ocean governance agreements.
