ZANZIBAR: COUNTRIES in the SouthWestern Indian Ocean have pledged to strengthen regional cooperation against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, aiming to safeguard marine resources and boost the blue economy.

The commitment was reached at a three-day “Blue Voices” regional conference in Zanzibar, attended by policymakers, marine experts and civil society representatives who discussed strategies to curb illegal fishing threatening the Indian Ocean.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of Zanzibar’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Salim Mohamed Hamza noted that “the ocean is shared as fishermen cross borders doing fishing activities. That is why the solution to illegal fishing must also be regional.”

He stressed that East African cooperation is key, given the transboundary nature of maritime activities and urged maritime authorities to coordinate enforcement, share knowledge and harmonise national policies to prevent inconsistencies that could undermine collective efforts.

Dr Hamza also highlighted differences in financial and technological capacity among countries, stressing that cooperation is especially crucial for island states dependent on marine resources for their economies.

Dr Paul Orina, Director General of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, said participating countries signed agreements to strengthen regional cooperation, particularly between Tanzania and Kenya, to tackle challenges that hinder the blue economy.

The agreements also aim to ensure marine resources generate revenue through taxes, levies and employment opportunities.

The conference recommended involving coastal communities in policy review and increasing government budgets for the blue economy, giving it equal priority to agriculture and livestock.

Jahazi Project spokesperson Michael Mallya said the main goal was to sustain regional cooperation and ensure existing agreements are fully implemented