East Africa Unites to Combat Illegal Fishing: Jahazi Roundtable Sets Joint Action Plan

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – September 2, 2025. Leaders from across East Africa have pledged stronger regional cooperation to fight Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) following the successful Blue Voices Roundtable, convened yesterday in Dar es Salaam under The Jahazi Project. The high-level forum brought together Government officials, regional organizations, researchers, innovators, community leaders, NGOs, and private sector actors to address the growing threat of IUUF, which drains an estimated US$415 million annually from East Africa’s economy. Tanzania alone loses about US$142.8 million every year, while in Kenya, 30–40% of fish catches are attributed to illegal fishing. A Shared Commitment In a joint communiqué released after the event, participants reaffirmed their commitment to protecting marine ecosystems, safeguarding coastal livelihoods, and advancing regional cooperation. They agreed to: Strengthen regional collaboration through harmonized enforcement, peer support, and knowledge sharing. Empower local communities by supporting grassroots monitoring and building capacity for coastal stakeholders. Engage youth and foster innovation by promoting technology-driven solutions. Enhance public awareness through education, advocacy, and communication campaigns. Sustain policy dialogue to ensure inclusive, coordinated, and accountable action. Regional Solidarity Delegates from Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Comoros, Madagascar, and Mauritius emphasized the importance of cross-border enforcement and cooperation. Technology-driven solutions, such as satellite monitoring and community-based reporting, were highlighted as game-changers for marine protection. Michael Mallya, spokesperson for The Jahazi Project, said: “Illegal fishing is a direct intrusion into the sovereignty of our nations and a serious threat to the livelihoods of our coastal populations. It is our duty to protect our waters, our marine territories, and our people.” The Way Forward The joint communiqué calls on regional governments, development partners, and civil society to support these commitments to secure the long-term sustainability of East Africa’s Blue Economy. The agreed agenda now serves as a foundation for collective enforcement, policy reforms, and inclusive dialogue, ensuring that both present and future generations benefit from the region’s marine resources. The Blue Voices Roundtable, led by The Jahazi Project in partnership with Ascending Africa, marks a milestone in regional solidarity against IUUF and a clear step towards transforming East Africa’s coastline into a resilient, thriving Blue Economy.