IUU Fishing in the Small-Scale Fisheries of the Western Indian Ocean Region
This article was originally published by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association.
Illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing remains one of the greatest threats to marine ecosystems in Africa. The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is experiencing a remarkable depletion of marine resources and considerable environmental and economic damage due to IUU.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) are critical to protecting important marine habitats and species in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Unfortunately, illegal fishers target MPAs and LMMAs on purpose because they know the fish are more abundant in the MPAs. IUU fishing takes advantage of weak MPA management regimes, particularly where MPAs lack the capacity and resources for effective monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS).
To restore fish stocks, protect marine and coastal ecosystems, and regenerate the ocean’s health, the WIO region aims to improve the management effectiveness of existing MPAs and LMMAs and increase their coverage to protect critical ecosystems (hence securing the integrity of these vital features of the broader seascape) while unlocking the development potential of the blue economy by securing and enhancing direct benefits to coastal communities. Addressing IUU fishing remains a critical goal to achieve this goal; however, IUU fishing, particularly in Small-scale Fisheries (SSFs), is poorly understood.
A fact-finding study on IUU fishing in WIO SSFs is being conducted as part of this project to improve understanding and regional awareness of IUU fishing in SSFs and to improve MPA management in the Western Indian Ocean region.
WIOMSA is leading the study, which is being funded by the Blue Nature Alliance as part of the Alliance’s ocean conservation work in the WIO region to improve the management effectiveness of MPAs and LMMAs, as well as to improve local livelihoods and community fisheries through biodiversity protection.
“This study uncovered a significant lack of consensus amongst fisheries managers in the Western Indian Ocean over what constitutes IUU fishing and how it should be reported, which suggests a need for improved communication around the requirements of fisheries management programs in the region.”
Jessie McGrath, Africa Lead, Blue Nature Alliance