On the occasion of the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, Seychelles joins the global community to commemorate this significant day, as designated by the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
IUU fishing practices, such as overfishing and destructive fishing methods, pose significant threats to marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. The exploitation of targeted species not only disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems but also endangers the long-term sustainability of fishery resources.
In response to these challenges, the Seychelles government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to tackle this pressing issue, which impacts the country’s marine ecosystems, food security, and economic development. Notably, the majority of IUU fishing-related interceptions and apprehensions result from cases reported by local fishermen, supported by enforcement patrols led by the Seychelles Defense Force (SDF) and joint operations involving the Coast Guard, Air Force, and the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA).
The Seychelles government is committed to a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address IUU fishing, including finalising a National Plan of Action for IUU, enhancing surveillance and enforcement capabilities, investing in training and capacity building, and fostering greater international and regional cooperation. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on increasing public awareness, engaging stakeholders, and reviewing and strengthening the country’s legal frameworks related to fisheries management and IUU fishing.
“Combating IUU fishing necessitates a collective effort to safeguard our marine resources and ensure the sustainability of our fisheries,” underscored Minister Jean Francois Ferrari, the Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy. This firm commitment seeks to ensure the health of our oceans for future generations.
As we mark this IUU day, it is critical to acknowledge the impact of IUU fishing and recognize the potency of collective action. Through concerted efforts, we can safeguard our oceans, secure the sustainability of marine resources, and protect the livelihoods of our communities. Today, the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy reaffirms its dedication to reducing and preventing the impacts of IUU fishing, thus ensuring the vitality of our oceans for future generations.