Breaking: East African Nations Unite to Combat Illegal Fishing Crisis
In a landmark event, regional and international stakeholders will converge in Dar es Salaam on September 1, 2025, to address the escalating threat of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) in East African waters.
The Blue Voices Roundtable will bring together government officials, researchers, community leaders, and marine conservation experts to tackle a crisis threatening the region’s economic and environmental stability. East Africa’s extensive 4,600-kilometre coastline supports over three million people through fisheries, but illegal fishing is rapidly eroding this critical economic resource.
Shocking economic data reveals the magnitude of the challenge. Tanzania loses an estimated $142.8 million annually to illegal fishing, while neighboring Kenya sees 30-40 percent of its total fish catch originating from unregulated sources. Regionally, illegal fishing drains over US$415 million from the economy annually, severely impacting marine biodiversity and food security.
The high-stakes forum will focus on comprehensive strategies including:
– Advanced policy reforms
– Cross-border enforcement mechanisms
– Community engagement strategies
– Innovative marine conservation technologies
Participants from Kenya, Mozambique, Comoros, Madagascar, and Mauritius will collaborate to develop a unified action plan, signaling a critical moment in protecting East Africa’s marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
The full-day event will conclude by establishing a joint regional agenda committed to sustainable marine resource management and combating illegal fishing practices.
