Report of the Regional Training Course for Fisheries Inspectors in the Implementation of Port State Measures (PSM)

Abstract

The Regional Training Course for Fisheries Inspectors in the Implementation of Port State Measures (PSM) was organized by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) under the ASEAN–JICA Project on IUU Fishing Countermeasures. Held from 15 to 18 September 2025 at SEAFDEC/TD in Samut Prakan, Thailand, the primary objective was to strengthen the capacity of ASEAN Member States (AMSs) in implementing PSM to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The course convened 39 participants from various AMSs, SEAFDEC staff, and observers, representing national agencies responsible for fisheries inspection. The curriculum featured key technical topics, including an introduction to the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA), risk assessment methodologies, and the application of open-source tools such as Global Fishing Watch, Skylight, and C4ADS Triton for risk-based inspection planning. Experts from the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement delivered significant components focusing on port inspection techniques, offloading controls, and the implementation of PSMA and Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs) in the United States.

Participants engaged in practical case studies, hands-on inspection exercises conducted on the M.V. SEAFDEC, and a site observation at Bangkok Fishing Port, which provided valuable insights into real-world operations. The comprehensive program, delivered through lectures, demonstrations, and field activities, successfully enhanced participants’ knowledge and practical skills for conducting effective port inspections. This initiative fostered regional cooperation, strengthened collective efforts in combating IUU fishing, and established a strong foundation for promoting sustainable and responsible fisheries management in Southeast Asia.