Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing Program

Context

AMCO envisions a fishery sector where marine ecosystems thrive, fisheries governance and legal frameworks are strengthened, and coastal communities prosper.

Cameroon’s fishery sector plays a significant role in food security, livelihoods, and income generation for countless Cameroonians.

Nevertheless, this sector faces increasing pressures:

• Climate change which leads to a decline in fish stocks and threaten food security of millions who depend on it.
• Pollution degrades marine habitats.
• Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing causes overexploitation of fish stocks and unfair competition for artisanal fishers.

Approach

Cognizant of the unanticipated pressures on coasts and the stressed marine ecosystem due to overexploitation of fisheries resources, we work in collaboration with the government to advocate for the enforcement of legal frameworks. We also collaborate with journalists to raise awareness on IUU fishing and other environmental related issues

Ongoing project

Supporting Cameroon's government efforts to improve fishery management and stopping illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing

Success stories

• Promulgation of the law governing fisheries and aquaculture.
• Cameroon officially endorsed the Global Charter For Fisheries Transparency.
• Publication of fishing license lists on MINEPIA's website.
• Collaboration with GFW to build the capacity of state actors on satellite tracking of fishing vessels.
• Collaboration with a network of journalists to support the redaction of IUU fishing articles.