Kenya hosts "Mombasa Declaration" signing to boost fight against illegal fishing

In a significant move to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fifteen countries, including France, have committed to enhanced cooperation by signing the "Mombasa Declaration" in Kenya. This declaration represents a collective pledge to strengthen efforts against illicit fishing activities that threaten marine ecosystems and global food security.

The initiative, spearheaded from Kenya, seeks to foster a unified approach among the signatory nations. The agreement emphasizes the importance of shared strategies and intelligence to effectively monitor, control, and prevent illegal fishing operations in their respective waters and beyond.

Notably absent from the signatories are some of the world's largest fishing nations. Major players in the global fishing industry, including China, Japan, and the United States, have not yet endorsed the declaration. Their participation would be crucial for a comprehensive global strategy against illegal fishing.

The "Mombasa Declaration" underscores the growing international concern over the detrimental impact of IUU fishing, which undermines sustainable fisheries management and harms coastal communities dependent on marine resources. The signatories aim to bolster enforcement capabilities and promote responsible fishing practices through this collaborative framework.