Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing covers various activities that break laws on a national and international scale. These activities include fishing without the proper permits, not reporting catches, going over quotas, using gear that is prohibited, and fishing in restricted areas or during closed seasons. The issue is worsened in East Africa due to the region’s long coastline and limited ability to monitor and enforce regulations.
Numerous deficiencies create opportunities for illegal fishing to occur, such as poor governance and enforcement that make it difficult to effectively oversee and control fishing along coastlines. Local and international corruption from lawbreakers, along with insufficient political support, further hinder enforcement efforts.
There is a high demand for seafood locally and globally. Local communities depend heavily on fishing for food and income, while international markets, especially in Asia and Europe, offer profitable prospects for illegal operators. The consequences of illegal fishing can be devastating. It leads to environmental harm through overfishing and diminishing fish populations, disrupting marine ecosystems, impacting biodiversity, and harming coral reefs and mangroves. Destructive practices like using dynamite and cyanide cause irreversible damage to habitats. Affected countries face significant economic losses, with legal fishers facing unfair competition, reduced incomes, and job losses. Governments lose revenue from taxes and fees that could support development projects.
The depletion of fish stocks due to illegal fishing poses a threat to food security in many coastal communities, especially for vulnerable groups. Social effects such as loss of income and livelihood worsen poverty, leading to increased migration and social instability. It erodes traditional fishing methods and cultural heritage, affecting cohesion within and between communities. Kenya has taken steps to address illegal fishing, including establishing a Coast Guard and promoting regional cooperation, but enforcement remains inconsistent, allowing illicit activities to persist, particularly in remote regions.
Somalia’s waters, known for abundant fish stocks, are heavily targeted by illegal fishing fleets primarily from powerful East Asian countries due to a lack of a stable government, leaving marine resources vulnerable to exploitation.
Tanzania also struggles with under-resourced enforcement and has been criticized regionally for widespread use of unlawful gear like mono-filament nets, which are inexpensive and effective but highly damaging.
Experts in the blue economy suggest strengthening national and regional enforcement agencies by investing in surveillance technology, training staff, and imposing stricter penalties for violations.
To combat illegal fishing, addressing its underlying causes is crucial. By doing so, East African nations can safeguard their marine environments and ensure a better future for their coastal communities.
