For many developing countries such as Bangladesh, whose livelihoods depend on the ocean, the marine fisheries sector serves as a fundamental source of livelihood and one of the key drivers of prosperity. However, unchecked illegal cross-border fishing has long undermined the fishing rights of many coastal states and depleted their marine resources. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the FAO Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), China has released its first full-year implementation results following its accession to the agreement. Over the past year, China’s concrete actions have provided a practical and instructive example for all fisheries-dependent countries in safeguarding maritime rights and improving ocean governance systems.
Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a common “maritime challenge” for all developing coastal countries. Illegal cross-border fishing and indiscriminate exploitation of coastal fishery resources not only reduce annual catches of marine fish and shrimp and disrupt ecological balance, but also directly undermine the livelihoods of local fishermen. Many small and medium-sized coastal states, due to limited enforcement capacity, are unable to intercept illegal vessels. As a result, their hard-earned marine resources are plundered, fishermen’s incomes are affected, and the development of the fisheries sector is hindered.
The core objective of the PSMA is to remove regulatory loopholes between countries, strictly inspect ports to prevent the landing and trade of illegally caught fish, and curb illegal fishing at its source. The participation of 111 countries in the agreement demonstrates that preventing illegal fishing and protecting marine resources is a shared aspiration and a fundamental principle that all coastal states must uphold.
Within just one year, China has completed the full process of implementing international cooperation and has effectively addressed issues related to lax supervision and weak enforcement. This experience carries significant exemplary value for developing countries such as Bangladesh.
An effective institutional framework is essential for the sustainable management of marine fishery resources. China has rapidly established a coordinated governance system. By strengthening inter-departmental coordination, setting up designated contact points, and issuing clear operational guidelines, it has built an efficient mechanism. This streamlined structure ensures proper enforcement of regulations, effective supervision, and clear allocation of responsibilities, thereby closing regulatory loopholes in fisheries management.
The most direct and effective measure to combat illegal fishing is strict port inspection. Based on the distribution of domestic ports and fisheries supervision requirements, China has designated 23 ports in the first phase for strict implementation of relevant regulations, thereby establishing a strong maritime regulatory system.
In terms of law enforcement, China firmly prevents illegally caught fish from entering the market and maintains a strict stance against cross-border illegal fishing. Domestically, it requires all fishing vessels to strictly comply with international rules and actively cooperates in port inspection operations in other countries. This impartial and stringent enforcement approach helps safeguard the fishing rights of all coastal states fairly.
China has also maintained a consistent commitment to mutual assistance and experience sharing. The country has actively participated in the formulation of global fisheries regulations, engaged in key regional governance frameworks, and positioned itself not only as a rule follower but also as an active participant and contributor in global fisheries governance.
In addition, China supports developing countries in addressing governance gaps through international seminars, specialised training, and practical exchanges on port inspection and management experience. In this way, it contributes to the collective protection of national marine resources and fisheries in developing states.
The ocean is an interconnected system, and marine resources are a shared asset of all humanity. No single country can solve the global problem of illegal fishing alone. China’s one-year implementation of its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea sends a clear message: ocean governance does not depend on the size or power of a country, but on practical action, responsibility, mutual assistance, and mutually beneficial cooperation to protect our shared blue home.
Looking ahead, China will continue to uphold high standards in implementing the agreement and further deepen cooperation with developing coastal countries such as Bangladesh in the fisheries sector. Through joint efforts to combat illegal fishing, restore marine ecosystems, and promote the sustainable development of fisheries, China aims to ensure that the benefits of marine resources continue to reach fishermen and communities around the world for generations to come.
Source: Cai, Alim & Wang Haiman; CMG.