Fifteen national governments, including Ghana, adopted the Mombasa Declaration today at the 11th Our Ocean Conference. This action commits them to advancing global fisheries transparency and strengthening efforts against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The Mombasa Declaration serves as a call to action for coastal and flag states on fisheries transparency. It specifically focuses on improving the collection and dissemination of vessel information. This initiative will also allow for better access to critical fisheries data, aiming to combat severe economic and environmental threats.
This adoption fits into a broader Ghanaian economic context where fisheries are vital. Fisheries provide 60% of Ghana's animal protein and support 10% of its population's livelihoods. IUU fishing poses a significant threat to these communities, impacting food security and the long-term health of marine ecosystems.
Hon. Emelia Arthur, Ghana's Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, highlighted the urgency of this commitment. She stated, “In my country, our very existence depends on fish. Fisheries are a matter of culture and national security for us.” She further expressed happiness that Ghana is among the first countries to sign this declaration, which provides a platform for international cooperation.
The declaration's implications are significant for Ghana's economic future and marine resource management. Signatory countries will now implement concrete transparency reforms. These reforms include modernizing vessel registries and publishing fishing authorizations. They also involve strengthening information-sharing to support enforcement and accountability across the fisheries sector. Such measures are crucial for protecting Ghana's marine resources and the livelihoods dependent on them.
The Mombasa Declaration builds support for the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency. This Charter outlines 10 low-cost or no-cost policy principles that governments can adopt globally. These principles aim to improve access to information on vessel ownership, licensing, and fishing activity. Strengthening accountability will enable more sustainable and equitable management of marine resources. The declaration was signed by a diverse group of countries, including Belgium, Cameroon, Chile, the Dominican Republic, France, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and South Korea, in addition to Ghana.
Experts estimate that IUU fishing costs the global economy up to $50 billion annually. This loss disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries. This illegal activity depletes fish stocks, threatens food security, and is often linked to human rights abuses. These abuses include unsafe working conditions and forced labor within the sector. Limited transparency in vessel ownership and tracking allows these harmful practices to continue. The declaration aims to tackle these issues directly.
Ghana's participation signifies a strong commitment to enhancing its 'blue economy'. A productive and sustainable blue economy relies on strong ocean governance and effective monitoring. It also depends on accessible data to ensure equitable resource distribution. This initiative will contribute to securing the future of Ghana's coastal communities and fishing industry. It will also help ensure sustainable practices for future generations. The signing launches a campaign for other nations to join this effort before the next Our Ocean Conference in 2027.