ILLEGAL, unreported, unregulated (IUU) fishing may be a term only well understood in blue economy spheres, but it poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities worldwide.

In East Africa, the vice has reached critical proportions, affecting the livelihoods of millions and threatening the sustainability of marine resources.

The waters off the coast of countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia and Mozambique are rich in biodiversity and economic potential, yet they are increasingly at risk from rampant IUU fishing activities.

IUU fishing encompasses a range of activities that violate national and international laws. It includes fishing without proper licences, failing to report catches, exceeding quotas, using prohibited gear and fishing in closed areas or during closed seasons.

In East Africa, the problem is exacerbated by the region’s extensive coastline and limited capacity for surveillance and enforcement.

Several other inadequacies leave loopholes that make possible the extensive IUU fishing in East Africa.

Weak Governance and Enforcement: Many East African countries struggle with limited resources and weak governance structures, making it challenging to monitor and control fishing activities off their coastlines effectively.

Local and international corruption, perpetrated by the violators, and lack of political will, further undermine enforcement.

High Demand for Seafood: Both local and international demand for seafood drive IUU fishing. Local communities rely heavily on fish for food and income, while international markets, particularly in Asia and Europe, create lucrative opportunities for illegal operators.

Economic Incentives: The high profits associated with IUU fishing attract both local fishers and foreign fleets. The cost of illegal fishing is often outweighed by the economic benefits, especially when the risk of detection and penalties is low.

Lack of Effective Regional Cooperation: While some regional initiatives exist, cooperation among East African countries is often insufficient. Differences in national policies and priorities hinder collaborative efforts to combat IUU fishing.

The negative impacts of IUU fishing include environmental degradation, as the practice leads to overfishing and the depletion of fish stocks.

It disrupts marine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and the health of coral reefs and mangroves. Destructive fishing practices, such as the use of dynamite and cyanide, cause irreversible damage to habitats.

The economic loss to the countries affected suffer needs no emphasis. IUU fishing results in significant economic deprivation for East African countries in the line of violation.

Legal fishers face unfair competition, leading to reduced incomes and job losses. Governments lose revenue from taxes and fees, which could otherwise support sustainable development initiatives.

Food insecurity affects many coastal communities where fish is a primary source of protein. The depletion of fish stocks due to IUU fishing threatens food security, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Social consequences such as loss of livelihoods and income resulting from IUU fishing exacerbate poverty and can lead to increased migration and social instability. They undermine traditional fishing practices and cultural heritage, affecting communities’ cohesion.

Kenya has made some strides in addressing IUU fishing, including establishing a Coast Guard and increased regional cooperation. However, enforcement remains inconsistent and erratic, leaving illegal activities to persist, particularly in remote areas.

The waters off Somalia, which are among the richest fishing grounds in the region, are heavily targeted by illegal fishing fleets, primarily from powerful East Asian nations.

The absence of a stable government for many years has left the country’s marine resources vulnerable to unchecked exploitation.

Tanzania also suffers under-resourced enforcement and has been cited in maritime research in the region for widespread use of illegal gear such as mono-filament nets, which are cheap and effective but highly destructive.

Blue economy experts have been pushing for the enhancement of the capacity of national and regional enforcement agencies to include investing in surveillance technology, training personnel and implementing stricter penalties for violations.

Civil society groups working for community development have been underlining the need to adopt sustainable fishing practices through education and incentives to help reduce IUU fishing.

Community-based management and co-management approaches have shown promise in some areas. However, a key route to making it an international issue is greater international cooperation that includes sharing of information, harmonising regulations and supporting capacity-building initiatives among East African countries.

Implementing measures such as catch documentation schemes and certification programmes can help ensure that only legally caught fish enter international markets. Consumer awareness campaigns can also drive demand for sustainably sourced seafood.

Blue economy stakeholders are largely in agreement that addressing IUU fishing involves tackling its root causes, from governance and enforcement to market dynamics and international cooperation.

By taking decisive action, East African countries can protect their marine environments, support sustainable development and secure a better future for their coastal communities.

Maina Muiruri is a media consultant based in Nairobi, Kenya, who comments frequently on matters of blue economy.