Mark Ssemakula, Chairperson

Mark plays a lead role in representing the work of Stop Illegal Fishing (SIF) in international fora as well as in supporting SIF behind the scenes.

Mark has a background in fisheries science and environmental management and has experience in both fisheries compliance and policy development.

Mark has an extensive history with Stop Illegal Fishing having been a long-standing member of the Executive Committee, including as Vice-Chair since 2021. Mark was an active and integral member of the Secretariat since SIF’s formation until 2020. During these years he worked closely alongside the previous two Chairs of Stop Illegal Fishing, the late Geofrey Nanyaro of Tanzania (serving from 2012 to 2015), and Elsa Patria of Mozambique (serving from 2016 to 2021).

‘As we face multiple challenges to counter the damaging effects of climate change and the rising global population, pressures on fisheries resources increase Stop Illegal Fishing provides much needed support to African States to build awareness and capacity to stop illegal fishing. Our focus on developing and nurturing strong networks that have led on establishing information exchange mechanisms and collaborative approaches will continue. This is a proven and low-cost means of tackling what is all too often an entrenched problem.”