Port State Minimum Standards
In December 2017 the Commission agreed to a Conservation and Management Measure on Port State Minimum Standards with the stated purpose being "to establish processes and procedures for CCMs to request that port inspections be undertaken on fishing vessels suspected of engaging in IUU fishing or fishing related activities in support of IUU fishing." The full text of the measure can be accessed at this link: CMM 2017-02 (537.41 KB)
Paragraph 6 of CMM 2017-02 encourages each CCM to designate ports for the purpose of inspection. Any subsequent designation of ports or changes to this list shall be notified to the WCPFC Executive Director at least 30 days before the designation or change takes effect.
Paragraph 19 of CMM 2017-02 requires that Port CCMs notify the Commission of a contact point for the purpose of CMM 2017-02. Any subsequent changes shall be notified to the WCPFC Executive Director at least 15 days before such change takes effect.
Paragraph 21 of CMM 2017-02 states "CCMs that establish port State measures shall publicize all relevant measures in an appropriate manner, within 30 days of entering into force of such measures, and shall advise the Commission to facilitate wider distribution through posting on the WCPFC website."
The notifications the Secretariat has received from Port CCMs in reference to CMM 2017-02 are shown in the below table. The information in the table is current as at 1 June 2018.
| Port CCM | Designated Ports for the purpose of inspection | Advice of Port State Measures | Contact Points | Date of Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia |
Australia designates all of its ports for the purposes of inspections under WCPFC CMM 2017-02 on Minimum Standards for Port State Measures. |
Australia allows foreign fishing vessels into its ports and the landing of catch from such vessels only with explicit approval. Australia has a domestic process for considering vessel entry into an Australian port which is outlined in these guidelines: http://www.afma.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Port-Access-Guidelines-July-2013.docx. Applications for port access are considered consistent with the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s Client Service Charter. Port permits are issued on a case by case basis. It may take up to 7 days to consider an application. There is no guarantee the application will be approved. Australia is a Party to the Port State Measures Agreement and meets its obligations under this Agreement, including obligations pertaining to port entry, levels and priorities for inspection, and flag State notification. |
Australian Fisheries Management Authority Box 7051 Canberra Business Centre, ACT 2610 AUSTRALIA c/o National Surveillance and Response Unit Fax: +61 2 6225 5440 Phone: +61 2 6225 5555 Email: nationalsurveillanceresponseunit@afma.gov.au |
1 June 2018 |