China rolls out new guideline to battle illegal fishing and strengthen port inspections

China has implemented a new guideline to combat illegal fishing and strengthen port inspections of foreign fishing vessels, aiming to fulfill its obligations as a responsible fishing nation and enhance global fisheries governance, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The guideline, jointly released by the ministry and five other departments, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transport, and the General Administration of Customs, calls for stricter port state controls in line with international rules.

The guideline urges authorities nationwide to strengthen monitoring of foreign fishing vessels entering Chinese ports, as the country is committed under the Agreement on Port State Measures, a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization treaty against illegal fishing. China formally joined the agreement in April.

While highlighting a "zero tolerance" toward illegal fishing, the guideline also requires greater efforts to protect marine resources and promote sustainable use. Authorities are ordered to enforce port entry reviews, publish designated port lists, expand reporting requirements, and deny entry to vessels involved in unlawful activities, it said.

Additionally, authorities are tasked with conducting impartial inspections of incoming vessels, standardizing port services, improving information sharing, and ensuring fair treatment of compliant Chinese vessels. The guideline calls for stronger coordination and expanded international cooperation in fisheries enforcement.