ECOWAS meets in Abidjan over illegal fishing threat

ECOWAS experts are convening in Abidjan to formulate a regional strategy to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in West Africa. The meeting, running from March 18 to 21, 2025, includes about fifty experts from ECOWAS Member States and regional organizations focused on environmental protection and fisheries issues.

Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, highlighted the economic impact of IUU fishing at the event's opening. "Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains widespread in our region, causing an estimated loss of more than $2 billion per year," he stated. This issue affects the livelihoods and security of the countries involved.

The meeting follows directives from the Authority of Heads of State and Government at its 65th Ordinary Session in July 2024. The session called for a strengthened framework to combat IUU fishing and engage with external partners on related issues like toxic material dumping in maritime areas.

H.E. Mr. Sidi Tiémoko Toure, Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources of Côte d’Ivoire, officially launched the meeting. He emphasized that ECOWAS's maritime domain is critical for food security but is under threat due to IUU practices. “The organization of this workshop is a welcome initiative because it is important to establish a regional cooperation framework,” he remarked.

Colonel Kouadio Aké José Nicole spoke on behalf of SEPCIM’s Permanent Secretary Fofana Abroulaye during the opening ceremony. She stressed that IUU fishing poses significant threats to maritime resources and compromises ocean integrity along with food security for millions.

Ambassador Musah expressed gratitude towards Côte d'Ivoire authorities for their support while stressing maritime security's role in regional economic growth. He noted that structured investments and developing a regional IUU code are essential actions needed against these threats.

The three-day consultation aims to assess each Member State's fight against IUU fishing collaboratively with Sub-Regional Fisheries Commissions. Participants will create a roadmap addressing national fisheries law harmonization focusing on illegal fishing countermeasures. They plan to explore mechanisms for resource sharing, increasing financial allocations against illegal fishing activities, establishing experience-sharing platforms across regions, and standardizing statistical data collection processes.