ECOWAS Experts Meeting Underway to Tackle the Growing Threat of Illegal Fishing in West Africa.
By Raymond Enoch
Experts from across ECOWAS Member States and regional environmental organizations are convening in Abidjan, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, from March 18 to 21, 2025, to address one of West Africa’s most pressing environmental challenges which is, Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
This critical meeting, spearheaded by the ECOWAS Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, aims to establish a framework for regional cooperation to combat the growing threat that IUU fishing poses to both the environment and the economy.
IUU fishing has long plagued West Africa’s coastal regions, with detrimental effects on marine ecosystems, local fisheries, and food security. The absence of strong regulations and enforcement mechanisms has allowed illegal fishing vessels to exploit the region’s resources unchecked, leading to overfishing and threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on sustainable fishing practices.
With a focus on creating a sustainable and integrated approach to ocean resource management, this meeting seeks to foster collaboration among ECOWAS member states, environmental experts, and fisheries organizations. The goal is to enhance regional cooperation and bolster efforts to combat IUU fishing while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
“By uniting our efforts and expertise, we can ensure the protection of our marine resources, preserve livelihoods, and create an environment where economic growth is both inclusive and sustainable,” said an ECOWAS representative ahead of the summit.
The ECOWAS Commission is hopeful that this gathering will lead to concrete actions and stronger, more coordinated policies, setting the stage for a comprehensive regional response to IUU fishing that will benefit all nations involved.
As the meeting gets underway, the world will be watching to see if West Africa can turn the tide on this growing environmental and economic crisis.
