The Republic of Moldova has joined a major international agreement aimed at fighting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, strengthening global efforts to protect aquatic resources and promote responsible trade.
Moldova has officially become a party to the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, known as the PSMA. The agreement entered into force for Moldova on May 20, 2026, after the country deposited its accession instrument with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
The PSMA is the first legally binding international treaty focused on preventing illegal fishing through stronger port controls. Under the agreement, countries can inspect foreign vessels suspected of carrying illegally caught fish and restrict access to ports, preventing illegal catches from being landed, transported, or sold.
By joining the agreement, Moldova becomes part of a global network that shares information on suspicious fishing activities and strengthens cooperation between countries. The move is expected to improve transparency, support fair trade, protect consumers, and help preserve aquatic ecosystems.
The National Food Safety Agency will oversee Moldova’s implementation of the agreement, including coordination with international authorities and enforcement of national obligations.
Moldovan authorities say the decision reflects the country’s commitment to responsible resource management and closer alignment with international and European standards on food safety and environmental protection.
With this step, Moldova joins a growing group of countries working together to eliminate illegal fishing, which continues to threaten marine biodiversity, food security, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on aquatic resources.
