In the Press: Illegal fishing

People engage in illegal fishing in Africa due to a combination of economic, regulatory, and social factors. High poverty levels and limited economic opportunities drive many coastal communities to rely heavily on fishing for their livelihoods, often resorting to illegal methods to sustain themselves. The significant demand for fish both locally and internationally makes illegal fishing highly profitable, especially given the weak governance, corruption, and inadequate enforcement capacity in many African countries. Traditional practices and a lack of awareness about the long-term environmental consequences also contribute to the persistence of illegal fishing. Additionally, competition with foreign fishing vessels, which often engage in illegal activities themselves, exacerbates the problem, leading local fishers to adopt unsustainable practices in a bid to survive and compete.