Tanzania’s fisheries sector has been dealt a severe blow due to rampant illegal fishing activities, as revealed in the latest report by the Controller and Auditor General. The report, spanning from 2019 to 2023, highlights staggering losses amounting to about 15.2 billion Tanzanian shillings (approximately 5.9 million U.S. dollars).
Illegal fishing operations, predominantly conducted using unregistered and unlicensed vessels, have plagued the Indian Ocean, as well as Lakes Victoria, Tanganyika, and Nyasa. The report paints a grim picture, indicating that a concerning 72.99 percent of operating fishing vessels in the country lack proper registration and licensing.
Out of the 28,615 vessels engaged in fishing activities across various water bodies in Tanzania, a staggering 20,885 vessels operate without proper registration or licensing, further exacerbating the issue.
Despite efforts by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the scale of illegal fishing remains a daunting challenge. The ministry estimates annual fish catches in Tanzania at an average of 395,006 tonnes, with a modest growth rate of 1.5 percent per year. However, the unchecked proliferation of illegal fishing threatens to undermine the sustainability of Tanzania’s fisheries resources.
Addressing the rampant illegal fishing practices requires concerted efforts from both governmental authorities and stakeholders in the fisheries sector. Tighter regulations, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and greater collaboration with international partners are essential to combatting this pressing issue and safeguarding Tanzania’s valuable marine resources for future generations.
