15 Countries Adopt Mombasa Declaration to Combat Illegal Fishing
9 reported
Fifteen countries adopted the Mombasa declaration on Wednesday to step up efforts against illegal fishing, a practice that experts say costs the global economy up to $50 billion annually. The declaration, named after the Kenyan city hosting the 11th Our Ocean Conference, calls on governments to improve access to information on fishing vessels, ownership, and licensing, and to strengthen data sharing. The signatories include Belgium, Cameroon, Chile, the Dominican Republic, France, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and South Korea. The measures aim to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which threatens marine ecosystems and livelihoods. Conservation groups welcomed the agreement, with Global Fishing Watch CEO Tony Long stating that when governments commit to transparency, they create a network where bad actors have nowhere to hide. The countries are expected to begin implementing their commitments immediately, with more governments expected to join before the next Our Ocean Conference in 2027.
What’s reported
Fifteen countries adopted the Mombasa declaration on Wednesday to combat illegal fishing.
Experts say illegal fishing costs the global economy up to $50 billion annually.
The declaration was adopted at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.
Signatories: Belgium, Cameroon, Chile, the Dominican Republic, France, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and South Korea.
The declaration calls for improved access to information on fishing vessels, ownership, and licensing, and stronger data sharing.
Ghana’s fisheries minister Emelia Arthur said over 60% of Ghana’s animal protein comes from fish and 10% of its population depends on fisheries for livelihood.
French Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fisheries Catherine Chabaud said international cooperation is essential.
Conservation groups Global Fishing Watch and Oceana welcomed the agreement.
More governments are expected to join before the next Our Ocean Conference in 2027.
Key figures
Emelia Arthur, Ghana’s fisheries minister
Catherine Chabaud, French Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fisheries
Tony Long, CEO of Global Fishing Watch
Beth Lowell, vice president of Oceana
Sources: abcnews.com
