Blue Voices Roundtable: East African Nations Unite to Combat Illegal Fishing Crisis
Dar es Salaam Hosts Critical Maritime Security Summit on September 1, 2025
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) devastating East Africa’s marine ecosystems and economies.
The high-level forum, themed “Turning the Tide: Regional Action Against Illegal Fishing,” will bring together government officials, researchers, community leaders, and private sector experts to strategize comprehensive maritime protection measures.
East Africa’s expansive 4,600-kilometre coastline supports over three million people through fisheries, yet faces unprecedented economic and environmental challenges from illegal fishing activities. Staggering statistics reveal the urgent need for intervention: Tanzania loses an estimated $142.8 million annually, while Kenya sees 30-40 percent of its fish catch originating from unregulated sources.
“Illegal fishing drains East Africa’s economy by over US$415 million annually, directly threatening the sovereignty of our nations and the livelihoods of coastal populations,” said a spokesperson. “Protecting our marine territories is not just an economic imperative but a fundamental responsibility.”
The roundtable will facilitate critical discussions on policy reforms, cross-border enforcement strategies, community engagement, and innovative marine conservation technologies. Representatives from Kenya, Mozambique, Comoros, Madagascar, and Mauritius will collaborate to develop a unified regional approach.
Participants will conclude the summit by establishing a joint action agenda with concrete commitments to combat illegal fishing and safeguard the region’s marine biodiversity and economic potential.
The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EAT, both in-person in Dar es Salaam and through virtual participation, ensuring broad engagement and knowledge sharing.
