The Gulf of Guinea, already known for its piracy challenges, is now facing an even more insidious threat—illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea. Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has reached alarming levels, destabilizing economies and threatening food security across West and Central Africa. This expert analysis dives into the factors fueling this crisis, the regional and international responses, and the urgent need for a more structured, technological, and diplomatic approach to mitigate this growing issue.
The pervasive nature of illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea
Illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea contributes to an estimated 40% to 60% of total fish extractions, which is both economically and ecologically unsustainable. The financial losses range from $1 billion to $3 billion annually, but the broader impact extends far beyond mere numbers. With seven million people directly dependent on the fishing industry for their livelihoods, the region is witnessing the collapse of a crucial economic sector. Overlapping Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), legal ambiguities, and insufficient maritime patrols create an ideal environment for IUU fishing to thrive.
One prime example occurred on May 17, 2023, when Ivorian patrol forces, in cooperation with the French Navy’s Commandant Birot vessel, intercepted the Chinese vessel Chang Hui 2 fishing in restricted waters. This incident is just one in a series of breaches, where industrial and artisanal fishers exploit enforcement gaps to fish without licenses or in prohibited areas, ignoring seasonal and technical restrictions.
Geopolitical and enforcement challenges in the Gulf of Guinea
At the heart of the illegal fishing problem in the Gulf of Guinea lies a series of geopolitical and enforcement challenges. Many coastal nations, such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea-Bissau, lack the operational capacity to monitor their vast EEZs. Patrolling these waters is an expensive and technically challenging endeavor. Additionally, the frequent lack of updated license registries further hampers efforts to detect illegal activities. In many cases, local enforcement agencies are unable to board suspect vessels without clear legal authority or cooperation from foreign navies.
The complexity of EEZ boundaries—many of which remain contested—complicates the legal landscape. The overlap between national jurisdictions, compounded by weak regional coordination, creates legal grey areas that IUU fishing operations exploit. Furthermore, transshipments—where catches are illegally transferred between vessels at sea to avoid detection—make it difficult for authorities to trace the origin of fish and enforce regulations.
Regional and international response
In response to the rise in illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea, regional cooperation has improved but remains insufficient. The 2013 Yaoundé Architecture, designed to enhance maritime security, divided the region into five security zones. It was built on pre-existing regional organizations like the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC) and the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC). However, despite a growing awareness of the issue, tangible results remain limited due to operational and governance shortcomings.
International cooperation is also crucial. Projects such as the European Union’s PESCAO initiative have been instrumental in providing satellite monitoring and capacity building. Through funding for aerial patrols and the provision of satellite imagery, PESCAO supports local authorities in their fight against IUU fishing. For instance, satellite data from Global Fishing Watch and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) provide critical intelligence, allowing coastal nations to monitor their EEZs more effectively. However, challenges persist due to the limited sharing of these satellite resources with African nations.
The French Navy has further contributed through joint patrols, including the “African Nemo” operation, which coordinates European and local efforts to combat IUU fishing. These patrols, equipped with satellite data, intercept suspicious vessels and forward cases to regional authorities like the SRFC for enforcement. Yet, despite these initiatives, the number of vessels apprehended remains limited, partly due to the adaptability of illegal operators who are often aware of patrol schedules.
The Need for advanced solutions and political will
While technological advancements like satellite tracking, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and VMS (Vessel Monitoring System) are vital tools, they need to be complemented by stronger political will and legal frameworks. Many experts argue that the political dimension of IUU fishing remains underexplored. Effective deterrence requires robust judicial systems to impose meaningful sanctions and penalties for offenders, along with improved transparency in issuing fishing licenses.
Cooperation between regional authorities and international bodies is critical. For example, in Senegal, efforts led by the French Development Agency (AFD) have successfully united artisanal fishers, strengthening their political influence and driving policy changes to combat industrial-scale IUU fishing. Similar models could be adopted across the Gulf of Guinea to empower local stakeholders and enhance enforcement mechanisms.
Illegal Fishing in the Guf of Guinea : Conclusion
The fight against illegal fishing and addressing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea is far from over. While efforts like joint patrols, satellite surveillance, and international cooperation have yielded some positive results, the scale of the problem demands even greater coordination, advanced technological solutions, and, most importantly, a stronger political commitment. By integrating enforcement actions with diplomatic and political measures, the region has the potential to protect its marine resources and secure the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on them. As the region’s economies grow increasingly reliant on sustainable fisheries, decisive action must be taken to curb illegal fishing and ensure long-term maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
