Ecuadornews:
Ecuador ratified the Agreement on Port State Measures (AMERP) to combat undeclared illegal fishing by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Ambassador Nelson Robelly, permanent representative of Ecuador to the FAO, delivered the document of adhesion to the general director of the organization, José Graziano da Silva. With the adherence to this instrument, the Ecuadorian State commits itself before the international community to implement surveillance measures and practices, as well as monitoring and control to ensure the legal origin of fishery products.
This will ensure that the extraction and subsequent commercialization of resources comply with the principles of the Agreement. During the ceremony, held in Rome, Ambassador Robelly emphasized that it has been a decision approved by the Legislative Power in an absolute manner.
The government seeks to preserve marine resources and ensure that fish remain for future generations, which would not be possible without control and combat measures, such as the AMERP.
John Preissing, representative of the FAO in Ecuador, also congratulated and thanked the national authorities for the important decision to join the international fight for the elimination of illegal fishing.
He pointed out that it is a clear sign of the country’s commitment to promote the sustainable development of the fishing sector; as well as promoting the maintenance of livelihoods of coastal communities and access to international markets.
Now Ecuador will begin the process of implementation of the Agreement with the technical support of FAO, under the leadership of the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Industry and Fisheries, in coordination with other instructions related to fisheries management.
The agreement was approved in 2009 and is the first international treaty focused on the problem of illegal fishing. (I)
Source: https://www.eltelegrafo.com.ec/noticias/economia/4/firma-acuerdo-fao-lucha-pesca-ilegal-ecuador
