SIF Investigative Unit

Stop Illegal Fishing have been running investigations into illegal fishing and fisheries crimes since its foundation in 2007. We have created a team of fisheries specialists with legal, analytical and technical expertise. This team has been formalized in 2016 to become the Stop Illegal Fishing Investigative Unit with operational head quarters in Botswana.

Stop Illegal Fishing are able to provide real time advice to enforcement officers dealing with suspicious vessels or companies. Knowing what to look for, what information to request and how to deal with and analyse evidence can be challenging for MCS officers who encounter these situations infrequently.

Stop Illegal Fishing undertake undercover operations to get to the truth about activity in the fisheries sector, our recent work has included detailing the extent of the shark fin trade in Kenya and Somalia and establishing the links between criminal gangs in Africa and China.

The strength of our network internationally with government authorities and international organisations such as INTERPOL and UNODC enable Stop Illegal Fishing to contribute to catching illegal fishers and making sure that penalties and convictions are secured.

Recent Posts

Stop Illegal Fishing Commitment to SADC MCSCC

On 9 March 2023, Stop Illegal Fishing (SIF) delivered a message of support...

Read More...

The SADC Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre – set to enter into force in April 2023

Gaborone, 9 March 2023. The Republic of Botswana became the eleventh signatory of...

Read More...

Angola: Training in port State measures

The Nelson Mandela University in cooperation with Stop Illegal Fishing (SIF) conducted training...

Read More...

FCWC 14th Session of the Conference of Ministers – fisheries management for a sustainable blue economy

The Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) 14th Session...

Read More...

SIF News Categories

What impact are we having?

The Issues

One in four fish in Africa is caught illegally, this threatens the sustainability of fish stocks, damages the ecosystem and deprives governments of income and people of livelihoods.

Find Out More...

Our Approach

Creating change by informing policy and practice, our hands on experience and investigative work means we are often the first to spot new trends and find ways to challenge these.

Read More...

Our Initiatives

Illegal fishing is a complex issue that requires multifaceted responses. Stop Illegal Fishing are working with a range of organisations to bring about change.

Find Out More...