Illegal fishing vessel in Sierra Leone's water-3D.png — Illegal, unreported, and unregulated

*By Sylvester Samba*

Sierra Leone Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Emma Kowa-Jalloh has confirmed that in Sierra Leone, approximately USD $30 million is lost to (IUU) fishing annually resulting in the depletion of fish stocks while jeopardizing the livelihoods of mainly small scale fishing communities.

Hon. Kowa-Jalloh also said the country's Fisheries is facing challenges especially in the area of climate change and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The Minister further explained that there are destructive fishing activities practiced by both industrial and artisanal fishers adding that the fight against IUU requires the coordination and collaborative effort of government agencies within countries that have a stake in the maritime domain as well as sub-regional and regional effort from States.

Global estimate loss of revenue to illegal fishing is to the tune of USD $10 to $23 billion annually. And it is estimated that in West Africa alone, the annual loss is about USD $2.3 billion annually, and about 65% of the total catch in this region is a loss to IUU fishing. A concern as it affects food security and economic growth.

Artisanal fishers: Locally made fishing boat; Fishermen at work

And in keeping with international obligations and best practices, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has developed its first National Plan as a comprehensive tool kit which when fully implemented will hopefully bring IUU fishing activities in Sierra Leone to a thing of the past.

**President Bio engaging the Sierra Leone Fishing Companies Association at State House**

The Sierra Leone government, under Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio, has been able to recognize the threats that the Sierra Leone waters faced with overfishing, mainly due to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. President Bio, in his first speech to the House of Parliament, made a total commitment to fighting IUU fishing with every necessary means.

Illegal fishing operations also are often linked to other crimes, such as tax evasion, money laundering, smuggling, and violation of labor standards, each of which takes an additional toll.

The marine fisheries sector contributes significantly to Sierra Leone socio-economic development. The sector generates Le 70.9 billion (USD 9.6 million) 2017. And Le 94.59 billion (USD 11.78 million) in 2018. It contributes about 10% of GDP. And important activity along the coastline of Sierra Leone.

Fish is the largest single source of protein consumption in Sierra Leone, accounting for 80% intake. In terms of employment, the activities of fishing and processing create many employments in coastal areas. Approximately, 100,000 fishermen directly engaged in artisanal and an average of 300,000 people work in the fishing industry.

Sierra Leone, like many countries worldwide within the sub-region, continues to experience growing illegal fishing activities within their waters, and areas beyond national jurisdictions. Such activities include reflagging of fishing vessels to evade controls, fishing in areas of national jurisdiction without authorization by the coastal State, failure to report (or misreporting) catches, etc. Illegal fishing activities of these kinds directly undermine efforts to sustain and manage fisheries resources.

The purpose of Sierra Leone National Plan of Action is to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (NPOA−IUU) is designed to set out measures to implement about combat IUU fishing and foster responsible fisheries governance.

The NPOA−IUU developed under the principles and provisions of the FAO International Plan of Action. The Regional Plan of Action developed by the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC) and internationally accepted best practices relating to combating IUU fishing.

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