Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi laid the foundation stone for the Regional Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Coordination Center (MCSCC) of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Monday, marking the official start of the construction of the regional body for fishery resources.
Valued at 113 million Mozambican meticais (approximately 1.8 million U.S. dollars), the center will be built in the Katembe district of the capital, Maputo. Its objective is to coordinate efforts and measures to enhance the monitoring, control, and inspection of fisheries in order to eradicate illegal and undeclared fishing activities, as stated by President Nyusi.
“Activities such as hydrocarbon exploration, tourism, and scientific research, among others, are susceptible to illegal behaviors and practices such as drug trafficking, piracy, illegal fishing, and pollution, among others, forcing us to combat illegal activities at sea and take strict measures,” said Nyusi during his speech launching the construction of the center.
Nyusi emphasised the importance of sustainable maritime exploitation to ensure it remains the primary source of the country’s food and income. The center, established in 2023 by SADC member states, will be financed by the World Bank. Mozambique, with a coastline of about 2,700 km, relies heavily on the sea for its livelihood.
Minister of the Sea, Inland Waters, and Fisheries Lidia Cardoso, speaking at the ceremony, highlighted that the symbolic act of laying the foundation stone opens a new chapter in the process of joint regional work by member states.
According to Minister Cardoso, Mozambique loses 60 million U.S. dollars every year due to illegal fishing activities.
