Regional Alert: IGAD Member States Call for Urgent Action Against Illegal Fishing in East Africa
MOMBASA, KENYA — Member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have issued a high-level alert regarding the escalating crisis of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which continues to jeopardize aquatic biodiversity and the economic stability of the East African region.
At a three-day expert training workshop held in Mombasa, delegates from across the Horn of Africa warned that without immediate and coordinated intervention, the region’s marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions dependent on them face irreversible damage.
The Economic and Ecological Cost
IUU fishing has emerged as a primary obstacle to the sustainable management of marine resources. Beyond the immediate depletion of fish stocks, these illicit activities undermine the “Blue Economy”—a sector vital for food security and regional GDP. In Kenya alone, industry estimates suggest that the country loses between KSh 40 billion and KSh 45 billion (approx. $310M–$350M USD) annually to illegal fishing.
“IUU fishing is a major threat to effective management,” Agano stated. “It does not just affect biodiversity; it strikes at the heart of coastal communities who rely on these resources for their daily survival.”
The workshop, convened by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) in collaboration with IGAD, focused on strengthening regional capacity for Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS). A primary takeaway from the summit was the necessity of moving beyond national silos toward a harmonized regional framework.
To effectively combat sophisticated illegal maritime networks, IGAD member states are advocating for:
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Harmonized Legislation: Reviewing national laws to allow for seamless regional patrols and legal enforcement across borders.
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Sustainable Funding Models: Recognizing that offshore patrols are capital-intensive, leaders proposed a collaborative funding mechanism to ensure consistent surveillance operations.
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Technological Integration: Adopting advanced monitoring technologies to track vessel movements in real-time.
Sarah Nakaziba, a Principal Fisheries Officer from Uganda, noted that while some nations like Kenya have made significant strides in adopting surveillance technology, regional success depends on parity. Kenya is moving fast with MCS technology. For the region to succeed, we must share these advancements and adopt similar legal frameworks, such as Uganda’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Act of 2023, to modernize our response,” she said.
A Unified Front for Maritime Security
The call to action in Mombasa underscores a broader continental shift toward maritime security and climate resilience. As Africa aligns its shipping and fishing sectors with global sustainability goals, the protection of its “Blue Frontier” remains a top priority.
The consensus among the IGAD delegation is clear: the fight against IUU fishing is a shared responsibility. By aligning policy, technology, and resources, the member states aim to secure a sustainable future for the region’s vast and vital aquatic resources.
IGAD member states root for harmonized illegal fishing mitigation strategy
This video provides professional coverage and interviews from the Mombasa workshop, detailing the specific legislative and technological strategies IGAD leaders are proposing to safeguard East Africa’s marine resources.
