Consultation on Coastal Fishery Protection Regulations (Port State Measures Agreement)
Current status: Closed
Thank you for your interest.
The Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) is an international treaty which sets a global minimum standard for measures to be taken by port states against vessels and related activities that engage in or support illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Canada signed the PSMA in November 2010 and is working towards ratification. The Coastal Fisheries Protection Act has been amended as part of this process, and we are now asking affected stakeholders to join the conversation about the proposed changes to the Coastal Fisheries Protection Regulations as the next step in this regulatory process.
Why
Canada regulates and strictly monitors fishing activities but there are economic impacts of IUU fishing in international trade. Stopping illegally harvested fish and seafood products at ports in order to ensure that they do not enter markets is a key tool in the fight against IUU fishing, and Port State measures are considered cost-effective methods of prevention.
Who
The proposed amendments to the Coastal Fisheries Protection Regulations could affect the following groups:
- Foreign businesses
- Foreign fishing vessels
- Canadian importers/brokers
- Environmental groups
- Processors
- Industry
What
The signature of the Agreement was completed as the first step of the ratification process. Legislation to bring Canada's port access regime in alignment with the Agreement then received Royal Assent on June 18, 2015. Additional amendments to the Coastal Fisheries Protection Regulations are now required before Canada can ratify the Agreement. The Agreement entered into force in July 2016 after 25 states or regional economic integration organizations (such as the European Union) became parties. There are currently 36 parties to the Agreement.
Related information
- Proposed amendments to the Coastal Fisheries Protection Regulations to implement the Port State Measures Agreement
- Trade Tracking: Catch Documentation Schemes, Statistical Documentation Programs, and Documentation Requirements
- 2008 study funded by the Government of the United Kingdom
- Port State Measures Agreement and Canada's signature
- Bill S-3 and its passage in Parliament
- Regional fisheries management organizations
- Date modified: