An Inter-Governmental Authority (IGAD) for East Africa workshop has culminated in the formation of a Horn of Africa Sustainable Fisheries Task Force.
The workshop focused on international law, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and maritime safety and security and was facilitated by Fish Africa Organisation and the African maritime safety and security agency.
Delegates decided to set up the task force because they believe that Horn of Africa fishery management objectives have become frustrated by “external influences” – namely a continuation of IUU fishing which they say could lead to the collapse of fisheries or impair efforts to rebuild fish stocks.
“This situation poses a direct and significant threat to effective conservation and management of our natural fish stocks, causing multiple adverse consequences for our citizens who depend on them in the pursuit of their legitimate livelihoods”, one concerned delegate said.
One local fishing cooperative explained that their small boats were often charged by large vessels from international fleets from Asia and Europe.
The task force will aim to monitor IUU fishing so that it does not contravene the benefits of effective fisheries management.
A report will be released in the coming weeks. More information from:
www.igad.int
