Introduction

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) are critical to protecting important marine habitats and species in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Unfortunately, illegal fishers target MPAs and LMMAs on purpose because they know the fish are more abundant in the MPAs. IUU fishing takes advantage of weak MPA management regimes, particularly where MPAs lack the capacity and resources for effective monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS).

To restore fish stocks, protect marine and coastal ecosystems, and regenerate the ocean’s health, the WIO region aims to improve the management effectiveness of existing MPAs and LMMAs and increase their coverage to protect critical ecosystems (hence securing the integrity of these vital features of the broader seascape) while unlocking the development potential of the blue economy by securing and enhancing direct benefits to coastal communities. Addressing IUU fishing remains a critical goal to achieve this goal; however, IUU fishing, particularly in Small-scale Fisheries (SSFs), is poorly understood.

A fact-finding study on IUU fishing in WIO SSFs is being conducted as part of this project to improve understanding and regional awareness of IUU fishing in SSFs and to improve MPA management in the Western Indian Ocean region.

WIOMSA is leading the study, which is being funded by the Blue Nature Alliance as part of the Alliance’s ocean conservation work in the WIO region to improve the management effectiveness of MPAs and LMMAs, as well as to improve local livelihoods and community fisheries through biodiversity protection.

Perceptions of IUU Fishing in the Small-Scale Fisheries of the Western Indian Ocean – A Questionnaire-based Index