The Regional Training Course on Enhancing Capacity Development to Implement of
Port State Measures (PSM) Inspection
to Combat IUU Fishing
Training Room
Conference Room, 2nd floor, Fishing Workshop Building
Contact Person
Technical Matters
Mr. Kongpathai Saraphaivanich
kongpathai@seafdec.org
Contact Person
Administrative Matters
Ms. Namfon Imsamrarn
namfon@seafdec.org
Introduction
Global marine fishery production has been declining, with Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing identified as a critical challenge to sustainable fisheries. This illicit activity undermines fisheries management at both national and international levels by circumventing established legal frameworks, leading to the rapid depletion of fish stocks and threatening marine biodiversity. Port State Measures (PSM) have emerged as a pivotal tool in combating IUU fishing by enforcing controls such as pre-arrival notifications, designated port use, vessel inspections, and restrictions on landing and transshipment of fish. These measures enhance the capacity of Port States to detect and deter non-compliant fishing activities, bridging the enforcement gaps often left by flag States. For Southeast Asian region, strengthening PSM is essential to protecting fisheries resources, fostering regional cooperation, and promoting sustainable fisheries management. Effective implementation of PSM not only curbs IUU fishing but also ensures fair practices for responsible fishers while supporting broader conservation efforts across the region.
In response, SEAFDEC, along with the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), will be executing the Sustainable Management of Fisheries, Marine Living Resources, and Their Habitats in the Bay of Bengal Region for the Benefit of the Coastal States and Communities (BOBLME II) project, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) under the Global Environment Facility (GEF), in seven countries, namely Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The principal objective of the project is to contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries, marine living resources, and their habitats in the Bay of Bengal region, thereby reducing environmental stress and enhancing environmental status for the benefit of coastal states and communities. This will be accomplished through five interlinked components: 1) Sustainable Management of Fisheries, 2) Restoration and Conservation of Critical Marine Habitats and Conservation of Biodiversity, 3) Management of Coastal and Marine Pollution to Improve Ecosystem Health, 4) Improved Livelihoods and Enhanced Resilience of BOBLME, and 5) Regional Mechanism for Planning, Coordination, and Monitoring of BOBLME. SEAFDEC, as Executing Agency (EA), will lead Southeast Asia sub-regional coordination, provide technical advice, and enhance capacity building on related fishery issues under components 1, 3, and 5, which will be implemented in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand from 2024 to 2028.
In addition, the building capacity for Port State Measures (PSM) is an implementation activity for participating countries. SEAFDEC/TD will host a regional training program on key PSM topics for participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The training is designed to improve participants’ knowledge and skills, encourage the sharing of best practices, and strengthen regional collaboration to combat IUU fishing while supporting sustainable fisheries and marine resource management.
OBJECTIVES
Capacity Building: Enhance the knowledge of fisheries officers of three countries on the following by 1. To build up the capacity of participants in better understanding the PSM 2. To increase knowledge, skill and experience of participants for inspection to support PSM and port control implementation
EXPECTED OUTPUTS
1. A comprehensive understanding of the implementation and practical application of Port State Measures (PSM) to address IUU fishing effectively. 2. Enhanced capacity to apply Port State Measures (PSM) to combat IUU fishing activities and fostering improved fisheries management within participating countries.
PARTICIPANTS
Fisheries officers (junior staff) from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are responsible or relative for PSM and port control activities along Sub-Andaman Sea area. All genders are welcomed.
SEAFDEC/TD Location
Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Training Department
Suksawat Road, Laemfapha, Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province, 10290, Thailand