ECOWAS Experts Convene in Abidjan,Plan to Tackle the Growing Threat of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing in West Africa.
By Raymond Enoch
A regional meeting aimed at combating the devastating impact of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in West Africa is currently underway in Abidjan.
The technical session, which commenced on March 18, 2025, is drawing together over fifty experts from ECOWAS Member States, regional organizations, and environmental conservation bodies to discuss and propose a unified action plan.
The economic, social, and environmental ramifications of IUU fishing have long been a concern for West African nations, and the statistics are stark. Ambassador Abdel Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, highlighted the alarming scale of the issue. “IUU fishing remains widespread in our region, causing an estimated loss of more than $2 billion a year, which undermines the livelihoods and security of our coastal communities,” Musah remarked during the meeting’s opening session.
Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Resources of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Mr. Sidi Tiémoko Touré, officially launched the meeting, emphasizing the urgency of collaborative efforts in tackling IUU fishing. “Our shared responsibility is to create sustainable solutions that protect our marine resources and safeguard the future of the fishing industry in West Africa,” said Minister Touré.
The meeting, which will run until March 21, is expected to produce a robust action plan with key strategies to curb IUU fishing, a challenge that continues to deplete fish stocks, devastate marine ecosystems, and fuel organized crime in the region. The proposed plan will address various facets of the issue, including enhanced surveillance, stronger regulatory frameworks, and improved cooperation between regional states.
As the meeting continues, participants are hopeful that the deliberations will lead to actionable solutions, with the ultimate goal of preserving West Africa’s rich marine biodiversity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region’s fishing industries.
