[PRESSWIRE] Tanzania – 9 February, 2026 — Zanzibar

Countries in the South-Western Indian Ocean region have united to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, a move aimed at safeguarding marine resources and advancing the blue economy for the benefit of both citizens and governments.

The commitment was made at the conclusion of a three-day regional conference held in Zanzibar, where policymakers, marine experts, and civil society representatives gathered to discuss collaborative strategies to tackle illegal fishing activities that are jeopardising the health of the Indian Ocean.

At the closing session, Dr Salim Mohamed Hamza, liaison officer for Zanzibar's Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, addressed the meeting on behalf of the Permanent Secretary. He highlighted the interconnectedness of marine resources, emphasizing that the ocean does not recognise political or social boundaries. "The ocean is shared. Fishermen cross borders, and so do fishing activities. That is why the solution to illegal fishing must also be regional," Dr Hamza said.

The meeting underscored the need for regional cooperation, particularly among East African nations, as the most effective means of addressing the transboundary nature of maritime activities.

Dr Hamza explained that countries involved in the conference had agreed that stronger regional cooperation is essential to tackling illegal fishing and ensuring the sustainability of marine resources across the region.

He also stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among maritime management authorities to implement inclusive, coordinated, and effective enforcement measures. This, he noted, would require the sharing of knowledge and best practices, especially since governance systems vary across countries in the region.

The conference marked a significant step towards establishing a unified approach to combat IUU fishing, with countries acknowledging that only by working together can they effectively manage and protect the shared marine environment.

As the region seeks to foster sustainable fisheries and enhance the blue economy, the commitment to collective action represents a crucial step in securing a prosperous future for both people and marine ecosystems.

·      The three-day regional conference on combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing was held in Zanzibar, bringing together policymakers, marine experts and civil society representatives from countries in the South-Western Indian Ocean region.

·      IUU fishing is widely recognised as a major threat to marine biodiversity, fisheries sustainability and coastal livelihoods across the Western Indian Ocean.

·      The conference focused on strengthening cross-border collaboration, intelligence sharing and harmonised enforcement mechanisms among participating countries.

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