Illegal fishing has become prevalent in African waters. People fish in illegal waters rendering the fishing business unlawful. Here is an article about four ways to curb illegal fishing in African waters.
Development of technology platforms and intelligence
Vessels that operate outside their national jurisdiction should be required to have unique identifiers. Some of them are identity numbers and satellite transponders. This will assist authorities in the tracking of vessels and detect any criminal activity among them. Such technology can be used to combine data sets, such as satellite remote sensing data. Eventually, they can be used to develop algorithms that can be useful by fisheries experts. This platform will allow all countries to improve the enforcement, identification, monitoring, and prosecution of illegal fishing criminals. Moreover, it will be before they can access the supply chain in host countries.
Close avenues to illegal catch
Countries should enforce controls at their ports through the signing of international treaties. This should require commercial and foreign-flagged fishing vessels. As a result, this will give ample notice when approaching ports. Authorities will inspect the vessels if they suspect any illegal activities. Such treaties ensure that measures are enforced. Besides that, entry of illegal seafood is stopped before it enters the supply chain.
With the help of technology, seafood retailers can audit and verify the supply chain of the seafood that they purchase from their suppliers. This practice will sensitize consumers. Furthermore, it will make them demand more information on the source of their food. As a result, international processors who engage in illegal fishing will have to stop the practice.
Improve policing abilities with the help of pilot projects such as FISH-i Africa
The pilot project Fish-i is a model for improving fisheries enforcement. With the support of African countries, FISH-i Africa was created. Its role is to enhance information sharing, training of staff and implementation of the policies agreed by member states. The result of this enforcement team is the denial of fish arrivals at several ports and the assessment of fines. The success of this pilot project will allow it to be extended to other countries and flag states operating in the waters of the FISH-i Africa states. This is one of the four ways to curb illegal fishing that should be applied as soon as possible.
Assess the role of transshipment
Here’s a better understanding of the role of transshipment. When it occurs at sea, its contribution to illegal fishing has to be taken seriously. It is a common practice that involves the transfer of catch from vessels to a refrigerated cargo ship. This then takes the catch to a distant port. Best practices need to be developed to ensure that it does not permit illegally caught fish to be laundered through legal supply chains.
