The nations, including 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, adopted the Mombasa Declaration, a commitment to enhance transparency in the fishing industry and combat IUU fishing, which is estimated to cost the global economy up to $50 billion annually.
The Mombasa Declaration aims to improve access to information on fishing vessels, ownership, and licensing, and to strengthen data sharing to better track fishing activities and enforce regulations. This initiative is particularly crucial as IUU fishing threatens marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fisheries.
The adoption of the Mombasa Declaration is a testament to the international community’s commitment to addressing the complex challenge of IUU fishing. This commitment is especially significant given the cross-border nature of the problem, which requires coordinated efforts to be effective.
The declaration builds upon international efforts to combat IUU fishing, including the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), which aims to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing through the implementation of port state measures.
According to a recent study published in Marine Science, enforcing the PSMA is a critical step in curbing IUU fishing. While the Mombasa Declaration represents a significant step forward, its success will depend on the implementation of effective measures and the commitment of the signatory countries to enforce them.
The declaration calls for improved access to information on fishing vessels, ownership, and licensing, which is essential for monitoring and regulating fishing activities.
The international community must also address the underlying factors that contribute to IUU fishing, such as weak governance, lack of enforcement, and economic incentives for illegal fishing. Only through a comprehensive approach that addresses these factors can the world hope to effectively combat IUU fishing and protect marine ecosystems for future generations.
As the Mombasa Declaration is implemented, it will be crucial to monitor its impact and assess its effectiveness in reducing IUU fishing.
The international community must remain vigilant and committed to this effort, as the stakes are high for the health of our oceans and the millions of people who depend on them for their livelihoods.
The adoption of the Mombasa Declaration is a significant milestone in the fight against IUU fishing. It represents a commitment to international cooperation and a recognition of the urgency of the issue.
As the declaration is implemented, the world will be watching to see if it can make a meaningful impact on the fight against IUU fishing and the protection of marine ecosystems.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: africa
Source: SG Editor
