Foreign vessels that raises suspicions will be under scrutiny from June. After a new international treaty, subscribed by Costa Rica, will soon be effective.
The treaty’s title is “Acuerdo sobre Medidas del Estado Rector del Puerto” (PSMA, in English) and it is an innovative instrument promoted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
Antonio Porras, general technical director of Instituto de Pesca y Acuicultura (Incopesca), said they are ready to implement the treaty.
“We are going to benefit because it enables international joint actions for combating illegal fishing. It allow us to coordinate to detect illegal fishing and implies stronger ways for sanctioning”, said Porras, who added that the treaty does not apply to vessels with Costa Rican flag.
For example, if a country sends a warning that a vessel is illegal, Costa Rica is obliged to prevent the boat to unload its charge and also to detain it.
The treaty will come into effect at June 5 and it will have the status of international law with binding effects.
The treaty regulates more than 62% of fish imports of the world, 49% of exports, and accounts for total transactions of US$ 133 billion to US$ 139 billion.
Source: Diario Extra.