18 Nations Unite in Cancún to Stop Illegal Fishing

Cancún, Mexico — At the conclusion of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) meeting, 18 participating nations reaffirmed their commitment to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing through coordinated actions to prevent, deter, and eradicate the practice. The PSMA is the only legally binding international instrument targeting IUU fishing.

Strengthening International Cooperation

Held in Cancún from June 2 to 6, the meeting brought together delegations from across the Americas and the Caribbean. Alejandro Flores Nava, head of Mexico’s National Fisheries Commission (CONAPESCA), emphasized the agreement’s significance in promoting fisheries regulation and enforcing existing laws.

The scale of illegal fishing remains alarming. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), roughly one in five fish consumed globally originates from illegal or unregulated sources. This illicit activity not only threatens sustainable fishing efforts but also results in the annual loss of 11 to 26 million tons of fish, valued at an estimated $10 to $23 billion.

Enforcement Efforts and Seizures

In the first five months of 2025, CONAPESCA and the Mexican Navy reported seizing 1,948 tons of illegally caught fish as a precautionary measure. Authorities also confiscated 4,498 unauthorized fishing gear items and referred 10 individuals to the Public Ministry for prosecution.

Lina Pohl, FAO Representative in Mexico, underscored the severe consequences of IUU fishing, stating, "Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing poses a grave threat to marine ecosystems and the most vulnerable communities." She added, "The PSMA is a key tool for achieving sustainability in the fisheries sector."

Participating Nations

Representatives from the following countries attended the meeting: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador, the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Uruguay.