Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: West African nations are convening in Abidjan in March 2025 to address the crippling scourge of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a practice that is bleeding billions from the region’s economies and devastating marine ecosystems.
The high-level meeting, organized by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), will bring together experts from member states, regional organizations, and international partners to forge a unified strategy against this pervasive threat.
IUU fishing, which accounts for a staggering 40% of catches in parts of the Gulf of Guinea, undermines sustainable fisheries management, destroys vital habitats, and robs coastal communities of their livelihoods. Estimates suggest the region loses between $2.3 billion and $9.4 billion annually, a staggering figure that underscores the urgency of the situation.
Despite previous efforts by ECOWAS, including the adoption of the Integrated Maritime Strategy (SMIC) in 2014 and the Detailed Strategic Framework for the Development of a Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector in 2020, the problem persists.
The upcoming summit, mandated by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, aims to develop a robust regional cooperation framework. This framework will encompass information sharing, resource pooling, and the harmonization of national fisheries laws.
“This meeting is crucial to coordinate our efforts and protect our ocean resources,” said a spokesperson for the ECOWAS Commission. “We need a unified approach to combat this transnational crime.”
Participants, including experts from maritime, fisheries, and environmental departments, will assess the current state of IUU fishing in each member state and develop a comprehensive roadmap for action.
Key objectives include:
- Harmonizing national fisheries laws to create a consistent regional approach.
- Establishing a mechanism for sharing critical information.
- Pooling financial and human resources to enhance enforcement capabilities.
- Creating a platform for sharing best practices and lessons learned.
- Harmonizing the collection of fisheries statistics.
The meeting will also explore partnerships with external organizations, including the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and international fisheries commissions.
The summit’s outcome is expected to be a significant step towards safeguarding West Africa’s marine resources and ensuring the sustainable development of its fisheries sector. The region’s future prosperity hinges on effectively addressing this critical issue.
