Port monitoring techniques workshop was held in Penang, Malaysia on 15-17 June 2009. Workshop was opened by Mr. Suhaili and facilitate by Prof. Tsamenyi from Wolonggong University, Australia. This workshop was attended by representatives from all RPOA countries member, and also attended representatives from FAO-APFIC.

The workshop noted that enforcement procedures are necessary to combat IUU fish trade. RPOA member countries are encouraged to actively participate in the ongoing consultations in the FAO to negotiate a binding agreement on port state measure to finalize the FAO Port State Model Scheme and apply its framework and structure to implement in their ports.

The workshop briefly discussed the issue of fish and fish product trade flows – intra-regional, exports from the region and trade from other areas but transshipped through the region. While trade flows are understood to be significant, more information is required to better understand the quantum and distribution channels, in particular transshipment.

The workshop summarized the outcomes of days 1 and 2 and made the following recommendations to the RPOA Coordinating Committee.

1. That RPOA country urgently review existing domestic laws to provide for the implementation of port inspection procedures and develop National Plan of Action (NPOA) or strategies to ensure compliance with the EC Regulation 1005/2008 to be effective in January 2010.
2. That a dedicated training course for port inspection and enforcement be developed and delivered in the region. In doing so, it is recommended pilot sites for training purposes within the RPOA region be identified.
3. A study be undertaken to map regional fish and fish product trade flows – to include intra-regional trade, exports from the region and trade/transhipments from third countries through the region. The study should first focus on the key regional commodities that are most traded, for example tuna, mackerel and small pelagic.
4. Make available a list of their flagged vessels (fishing, carrier, support vessels) authorized to operate in waters outside their national jurisdiction including the high seas– vessels would need to be those subject to the country’s national fishing laws. The list would be placed on each country’s fisheries website and be available publicly. Lists should be updated on a regular basis.
5. Collect and share information on port monitoring and inspections. Minimum data requirements could be that contained in Annexes A, B and C of the FAO Model Port State Scheme (Annex 2). Information on monitoring and inspection should be placed onnational websites with linkages to the RPOA Secretariat website.. The Secretariat should establish the linkages with all members’ national fisheries websites. Make available a list of national port monitoring contact officers for the purposes of clarifying license, port monitoring and inspection information. The Secretariat should establish the link for this purpose.
6. Undertake a more detail discussion on at-sea transshipment in future RPOA meetings.