The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) held the second edition of its seminar on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing at the Naval War College in Goa on September 25, 2024. The seminar focused on addressing the escalating challenge of IUU fishing in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its far-reaching implications across economic, environmental, and security domains.
The event brought together delegates from 17 IORA member countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Somalia, South Africa, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Tanzania. These representatives participated in discussions centered around the growing threat of IUU fishing and explored potential solutions through collaboration and strengthened legal frameworks.
Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing has emerged as a major challenge in the Indian Ocean, with substantial consequences for both regional economies and marine ecosystems. IUU fishing not only undermines efforts to conserve and manage fish stocks but also leads to significant losses for local economies dependent on fisheries. In the environmental sphere, the depletion of marine life caused by overfishing disrupts ecological balance, and in the security domain, IUU fishing is increasingly linked to organized crime and territorial disputes over maritime resources.
The IORA seminar provided a platform for member nations to share insights and develop strategies to counter these multifaceted threats. The discussions highlighted the need for coordinated regional efforts and emphasized that existing legal frameworks are insufficient to effectively combat the widespread and often clandestine nature of IUU fishing activities in the IOR.
One of the key issues raised was the lack of enforcement mechanisms and surveillance capabilities across the vast and diverse Indian Ocean. Many countries, particularly smaller island states, face difficulties in monitoring and controlling their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), allowing illegal fishing operations to exploit loopholes. The delegates underscored the need for enhanced cooperation among IORA nations, including the sharing of intelligence, technology, and maritime resources.
The seminar also recognized the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the role of local communities in preserving the region’s marine biodiversity. By strengthening legal frameworks and regulatory measures, IORA member states aim to curb the unchecked exploitation of ocean resources and ensure the long-term viability of fisheries, which are vital to the food security and livelihoods of millions across the Indian Ocean Rim.
In his address, a senior IORA official emphasized the urgency of combating IUU fishing, describing it as “an existential threat” to the marine ecosystems and economies of the IOR. He called for more decisive action from member states, particularly in closing legal gaps and enhancing regional coordination.
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment from IORA member nations to collaborate more closely on monitoring and enforcement measures, and to explore the creation of a unified legal framework to address the complexities of IUU fishing in the region.
This year’s edition of the seminar marked a significant step forward in fostering international cooperation to tackle illegal fishing in the Indian Ocean. The participants reaffirmed their dedication to preserving the region’s marine resources while safeguarding the economic interests and security of their nations.
