West Africa significantly intensified its efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing during the first half of 2026 through a combination of policy initiatives, regional cooperation, maritime surveillance operations, and civil society engagement. These actions reflect growing recognition that IUU fishing represents not only a maritime security challenge but also a major threat to economic development, food security, and the livelihoods of coastal communities across the region.
One of the most notable developments was the adoption of the Dakar Declaration against IUU fishing in February 2026. Led by maritime unions, fishing organizations, and civil society groups, the declaration promotes stronger regional collaboration through intelligence sharing, harmonized monitoring systems, and more effective implementation of international fisheries governance frameworks. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of involving artisanal fishing communities in decision-making processes, ensuring that local stakeholders play a greater role in fisheries management and resource protection.
Regional maritime surveillance efforts also expanded considerably during the year. The Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission coordinated Operation Espadon, a joint mission involving Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, and Cape Verde. Supported by satellite monitoring systems and cross-border intelligence sharing, the operation targeted industrial fishing vessels suspected of violating fisheries regulations. Authorities identified several infringements, including unlicensed fishing activities, failures to transmit vessel tracking data, non-compliant fishing gear, and violations of established catch quotas. The operation demonstrated the increasing use of technology and data-driven enforcement strategies in fisheries management.
Further progress was made through the first joint fisheries surveillance patrol conducted in the Gulf of Guinea. The operation brought together Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia in a coordinated effort to strengthen maritime monitoring and enforcement capabilities. National monitoring centers collaborated through shared surveillance systems, combining naval, aerial, and electronic resources to improve oversight of fishing activities within their exclusive economic zones. The patrol resulted in the inspection of numerous vessels and the interception of several suspected violators, highlighting the effectiveness of regional cooperation in addressing fisheries-related offenses.
These initiatives collectively indicate the gradual development of a more comprehensive regional framework for combating IUU fishing. Governments and stakeholders increasingly recognize that illegal fishing undermines economic growth, depletes fish stocks, reduces government revenues, and threatens food supplies for millions of people who depend on fisheries for nutrition and employment. Enhanced cooperation and coordinated enforcement therefore represent important steps toward safeguarding marine resources and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fishing sector.
The growing emphasis on intelligence sharing, satellite monitoring, vessel tracking technologies, and cross-border coordination reflects a broader shift away from traditional enforcement methods toward more sophisticated and integrated monitoring systems. This evolution improves the ability of authorities to detect violations, monitor fishing activity in real time, and respond more effectively to emerging threats across national boundaries.
Despite this progress, challenges remain. Many anti-IUU initiatives continue to rely heavily on project-based funding and external support from international partners. As a result, questions persist regarding the long-term sustainability of current efforts and the need for stronger institutional frameworks capable of maintaining enforcement activities independently. Ensuring consistent funding, strengthening national fisheries management institutions, and deepening regional collaboration will be critical for sustaining momentum in the years ahead.
Overall, the first half of 2026 marked a significant period of advancement in West Africa’s efforts to combat illegal fishing. Through enhanced regional partnerships, modern surveillance technologies, and increased stakeholder engagement, countries across the region are laying the foundations for more effective fisheries governance and improved protection of valuable marine resources.
