This year, as waves settle about World Oceans Day, we stand at a pivotal moment in history. Our oceans, the lifeblood of our planet, are facing unprecedented challenges. From the devastating impacts of climate change to the ever-growing menace of plastic pollution, the threats to marine ecosystems are multiplying at an alarming rate. In East Africa, the situation is equally dire, with the Indian Ocean, our most cherished marine resource, under siege.
One thing remains clear: the threat of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) looms larger than ever over the Indian Ocean and the communities that depend on it.
Hosted by the Kilindini Campaign, the World Oceans Day event brought together local policy experts, government representatives, and youth leaders for an open dialogue on one of the most pressing, and under-addressed, challenges facing our marine ecosystems – IUUF. From Mombasa to Zanzibar, illegal fishing is depleting fish stocks, destroying habitats, undermining local economies, and threatening the food security of millions in East Africa.
While much of the global conversation on ocean health often focuses on pollution and climate change, both serious and interlinked concerns, we must remain clear-eyed about the specific and immediate danger posed by illegal fishing. Without urgent and coordinated action, the unchecked exploitation of our marine resources risks becoming irreversible.
IUUF is not just an environmental issue. It is an economic, social, and security crisis. For thousands of coastal families in Kenya, Tanzania, and the broader region, fishing is a primary source of income and nutrition. But with foreign industrial fleets operating illegally in our waters and local fishers facing dwindling catches, livelihoods are collapsing. IUUF undermines legal fisheries, fuels corruption, and robs governments of vital revenue.
We must build and strengthen a multi-stakeholder, regional approach to address this crisis. That means Kenya and Tanzania must work hand-in-hand to enhance maritime surveillance, harmonize enforcement mechanisms, and share intelligence. International cooperation is vital, especially as we expand efforts to combat IUUF across borders.
While efforts like Kenya’s Marine Protected Areas and the Blue Economy strategy are commendable first steps, enforcement remains a critical gap. Laws and policies mean little without the resources and will to implement them. We need to empower local communities as frontline defenders of our oceans – through education, participatory governance, and fair access to marine resources.
Yes, climate change and plastic pollution continue to degrade our oceans, and they should not be ignored. Rising sea levels, warming waters, and microplastic contamination all compound the pressures on marine ecosystems. But these issues must be viewed in context. IUUF is a direct assault on our sovereignty, sustainability, and survival.
As we move forward from World Oceans Day, let us not lose momentum. We need stronger laws, better enforcement, regional cooperation, and above all, public accountability. The time to act is now.
The Indian Ocean is not just a body of water but our lifeblood, our legacy, and our shared responsibility. From Kilifi to Dar es Salaam, we must stand united against illegal fishing and commit to protecting our marine heritage for generations to come.