Mombasa Declaration: A global initiative to combat illegal fishing

Why in the news ?

Fifteen countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific recently adopted the Mombasa Declaration. Its purpose is to strengthen global cooperation against illegal fishing and increase transparency and accountability in the fisheries sector.

What is the Mombasa Declaration ?

• The Mombasa Declaration is an international agreement adopted by 15 countries to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU Fishing).
• The declaration was adopted during the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC) held in Mombasa, Kenya. Hence, it is named the "Mombasa Declaration."

Key Objectives of the Declaration

• The Mombasa Declaration urges countries to take the following steps :
  • Make information on fishing vessels, their ownership, and licenses more accessible.
  • Strengthen data sharing among countries.
  • Ensure better monitoring and regulation of maritime activities.
  • Promote transparency and good governance in the fisheries sector.
  • Conserve marine biodiversity and fisheries resources.

Countries that signed the declaration

• The Mombasa Declaration has been signed by 15 countries, including Belgium, Cameroon, Chile, Dominican Republic, France, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Republic of Congo, Somalia, and South Korea.

Key provisions of the Charter :

• Modernization of the vessel registration system.
• Publicization of fishing licenses and authorizations.
• Increasing transparency in fisheries activities.
• Encouraging low-cost administrative reforms.

What is Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing ?

• Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing refers to fishing activities that :
  • violate national or international laws.
  • are not reported to the relevant authorities.
  • operate without permission or proper regulation.

Ill effects of IUU fishing

• Overexploitation of fish resources
• Loss of marine biodiversity
• Adverse impact on the livelihoods of coastal communities
• Threat to food security
• Degradation of marine ecosystems

Our Ocean Conference (OOC)

• Our Ocean Conference was launched in 2014 by the US Department of State under the leadership of former Secretary of State John Kerry.
• It brings together governments, industries, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions to address issues related to the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans.

Key Focus Areas of OOC

• Marine Protected Areas
• Sustainable Blue Economy
• Climate Change
• Maritime Security
• Sustainable Fisheries
• Marine Pollution

OOC 2026

• Location : Mombasa, Kenya
• Theme : "Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future"
• Highlights : This was the first time this global conference was held on the African continent.

Conclusion

The Mombasa Declaration is an important initiative to strengthen global cooperation against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. It promotes the sustainable use of marine resources, transparency in the fisheries sector, and the conservation of marine biodiversity. It also reflects a global commitment to improved ocean governance and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.