IGAD member states have intensified calls for increased funding and coordinated regional operations to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which continues to threaten aquatic biodiversity and marine ecosystems across the region.
The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), convened a three-day expert training workshop in Mombasa aimed at strengthening regional capacity in Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) systems to combat IUU fishing and safeguard aquatic biodiversity and the environment.
In efforts to operationalise the African Blue Economy Strategy, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) has supported AU-IBAR since 2021 to implement the project titled “Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the African Blue Economy.”
The project seeks to enhance the institutional capacity of African Union Member States and regional institutions in conserving aquatic biodiversity within the framework of the Africa Blue Economy Strategy.
The project has recently been granted an additional 18-month extension to consolidate gains and ensure comprehensive implementation of pending activities. The capacity-building workshop is funded by SIDA.
Kenya Fisheries Service Acting Director in Charge of Capture Fisheries, Jared Agano, said during a field tour by delegates at the Liwatoni MCS Centre in Mombasa that effective MCS systems are critical to securing sustainable fisheries and effectively tackling IUU fishing.
He underscored the need for stronger regional collaboration to address aquatic threats facing member states.
“We need to conduct regional patrols, and that will require member states to review their national laws and policies so that we can harmonise legislation to enable IGAD member states to carry out regular MCS patrols in the region,” said the Acting Director.
He further proposed that member states develop a sustainable funding model to facilitate regular patrols and surveillance operations aimed at eradicating IUU fishing.
“It is also very important to look into a viable funding model because patrols, especially offshore patrols, are very expensive and require adequate resources,” he added.
Sarah Nakaziba, Principal Fisheries Officer at Mayuge District Local Government in Uganda, said the training came at an opportune time. She praised Kenya’s effective MCS systems and called for donor support to strengthen surveillance efforts on Lake Victoria.
“Kenya is moving very fast as far as MCS is concerned. They are already using technology that we have not yet adopted in Uganda. However, we now have the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act of 2023, which was assented to by the President, and it provides for the use of technology in conducting monitoring, control and surveillance,” said Nakaziba.
She explained that the new law has facilitated a shift from reliance on the military, with the establishment of the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) to oversee surveillance operations.
“The Act now provides for a specialised civilian MCS unit, although members will undergo paramilitary training. It will be inter-agency and involve different institutions,” she stated, adding that the unit has contributed to the revival of Nile perch stocks.
Noora Mohammed Ali, a Solid Waste Management Officer, commended Kenya for maintaining a clean marine environment.
“There is no garbage or liquid waste. This is eye-opening training. When I return to my country, I will share what I have seen here so that we can apply the lessons learned in our own areas,” she said.
by Sadik Hassan
