Annual Report on Port Inspections and Implementation Standards for Port State Measures

Path 5
Page updated: 27 Aug 2026

Key Messages & Vital Statistics

Chart Embed
11
Designated Ports CCMs
CCMs have notified designated ports under CMM 2017-02 as at 31 March 2026.
24
PSMA Parties
CCMs are formal contracting parties to the FAO Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA).
816
Inspection Reports
Total automated GIES and email notifications received since April 2024.
â—‰ 2025: 413 (51%)
â—‰ 2024: 205 (25%)
â—‰ 2026 (YTD): 197 (24%)

Strategic Objectives: IUU Deterrence

Combating IUU & Risk-Based Targeting

The fundamental objective of WCPFC port measures is to validate reported data and verify compliance to combat IUU fishing. By sharing port inspection outcomes across CCMs, the Commission ensures that inspection resources are efficiently allocated and targeted based on objective, informed risk assessments.

Key Enforcement Metric: Between 2012 and 2025, Article 25(2) investigations arising from port inspection reports resulted directly in five cases involving port denial.

Participation & Geographic Spread

CMM 2017-02 Designated Ports vs. PSMA Alignment

Distribution of compliance framework implementation across different CCM categories, distinguishing between Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Non-SIDS, and Cooperating Non-members (CNMs).

Remote ECharts

Volume of Notified Designated Ports by CCM

Number of ports formally designated and notified to the WCPFC Secretariat. Some CCMs such as Australia and the United States have designated all national ports for entry and monitoring.

Remote ECharts

Table 1: Framework Status of CCMs under CMM 2017-02 and FAO PSMA

Framework MetricSIDS / Participating TerritoriesNon-SIDS MembersCooperating Non-Members (CNMs)
Notified Designated Ports (CMM 2017-02)France (French Polynesia, New Caledonia), Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, TuvaluAustralia, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, United States of AmericaThailand
Parties to FAO PSMA (As of 31 March 2026)Fiji, France (French Polynesia, New Caledonia), Marshall Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, VanuatuAustralia, Canada, European Union, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Philippines, United States of AmericaChina, Indonesia, Bahamas, Ecuador, Liberia, Panama, Thailand, Viet Nam

Port Inspection Trends & Infractions

Annual Submission Channel Flow (2024 – 2026)

Comparison of inspection document streams showing the shift towards automated Global Information Exchange System (GIES) notifications. Notably, zero email submissions were logged in 2024 and 2026, compared to a single email report in 2025.

Remote ECharts

Reported Infringement Rates per Year

The percentage of processed port inspection reports that explicitly identified potential regulatory infractions flagged for further investigation.

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Compliance Case File Data & Investigation Outcomes

Article 25(2) Investigation Outcomes by Management Segment (2012–2025)

Historical summary of administrative actions and sanctions originating from port-side inspection notifications within the Compliance Case File System.

Remote ECharts

Key Operational Focal Areas & Intersessional Progress

The Port State Measures Working Group (PSMWG) continues drafting and refinement workflows leading into TCC22 and WCPFC23 with specific emphasis on:

  • Data Interoperability: Creating robust technical pathways linking WCPFC internal systems with FAO GIES, FFA ePSM, and broader regional monitoring structures.
  • SIDS Safeguards: Ensuring technical minimum inspection standards do not place disproportionate administrative or financial strains on SIDS ports or deter commercial fleet entry.
  • Targeting Metrics: Transitioning away from subjective risk terminology towards objective criteria for port prioritisation.