15 Countries Sign Deal to Stop Illegal Fishing Linked to Slavery
Part of composite article 15 African Nations Ink Deal to Stop Illegal Fishing — But Who’s Really Cashing In? View full article →
MOMBASA, KENYA — Fifteen African nations have signed a new agreement to fight illegal fishing, a practice that threatens fish populations and fuels human rights abuses at sea.
The Mombasa Declaration targets illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This type of fishing is hard to track and often involves forced labour and human trafficking. Experts estimate that one in every five fish eaten worldwide comes from illegal sources.
The problem is severe: more than 120,000 fishers are believed to be trapped in modern slavery on fishing vessels. The declaration aims to increase transparency in the industry and hold operators accountable.