Annual Report

Stop Illegal Fishing Annual Report 2023

The Stop Illegal Fishing (SIF) Annual Report 2023 presents a year of significant progress in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing across Africa, particularly in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. With record turnover from nine active projects amounting to BWP 15.9 million (USD 1.17 million), SIF focused on strengthening regional monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) capacities, promoting transparency, and advancing blue economy objectives.

A major highlight of 2023 was the entry into force of the Charter establishing the SADC Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC), marking a turning point in regional cooperation. SIF played a central role in supporting its operationalisation, capacity building, and intelligence sharing. Through projects such as SADC Atlantic (supporting Angola, Namibia, and South Africa) and Oceans Vigilance (developing the SADC Regional Register of Fishing Vessels), SIF strengthened regional risk assessment, information exchange, and policy frameworks.

SIF’s work in West Africa continued through the West Africa Task Force (WATF) under the Fisheries Commission for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, while partnerships with FAO, FishFORCE, and WWF expanded efforts in implementing the Port State Measures Agreement in Angola and Madagascar. Internationally, SIF contributed to global dialogue through participation in the 7th Global Fisheries Enforcement Training Workshop, showcasing African experiences and collaborative approaches to fighting IUU fishing.

The report also highlights the organisation’s efforts in communication, advocacy, and governance, including the production of awareness materials and the activities of the Executive Committee.

Overall, 2023 was a year of consolidation and expansion for SIF, reinforcing its leadership in building African-led, practical, and cooperative responses to IUU fishing.