West African Unions Push For Regional Fishers’ Body To Combat IUU Fishing Crisis

In West Africa, over 200 million people depend on fish as their main protein source, but the UN FAO’s 2024 report warns that 35% of global fish stocks are over exploited—up from just 10% in 1974.

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, pollution, and climate change threaten livelihoods, food security, and stability, with IUU alone accounting for 40% of catches and costing economies over $2.3 billion yearly.

To protect artisanal fishers and address these security, governance, and workers’ rights issues, unions and civil society groups under the West Africa Fishers Organising Project (WAFOP) are floating a bold new Regional Fishers’ Union.

This union would unite workers across borders to dismantle IUU networks, enforce labor standards, and build sustainable fisheries.IUU fishing violates laws, skips reporting, and exploits weak governance, robbing governments of revenue and devastating local communities.

Key tools like the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA), ILO Work in Fishing Convention (C188), and Cape Town Agreement (CTA) exist but lack ratification and implementation in many WAFOP countries.Declaration: Forming the Regional Fishers’ Union

ITF in a statement said “We, the undersigned unions and civil society organisations, commit to launching a Regional Fishers’ Union through:A Regional IUU Taskforce/Working Group for intelligence-sharing and cross-border action.Campaigns for full PSMA and C188 implementation, plus CTA ratification.A worker- and observer-led advisory group to center fishers’ voices.Shared learning on national successes/challenges and a 2026 joint Action Plan.Key Planned Activities awareness and training for artisanal communities on spotting/reporting IUU, using tools like satellite tracking and Trygg Mat Tracking (TMT).

“Monthly coordination meetings, knowledge exchanges, and participatory surveillance.Advocacy for transparent fishing codes, gender inclusivity, and IUU-free supply chains.

ITF affiliates to boost union leadership, cross-border solidarity, and women in fish processing.Through this Regional Fishers’ Union, saying, we aim to secure dignity, safety, and decent work for West African fishers, fighting for justice and sustainable oceans.