Joho Calls for Global Blacklist to End Illegal Fishing in Kenya Waters

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho has called for a global blacklisting system to combat IUU fishing. He made the call on the sidelines of the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa on Tuesday.

IUU fishing refers to Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing. It depletes marine ecosystems and undercuts the livelihoods of licensed fisherfolk across the world.

Joho Pushes for Global Action on IUU Fishing in Kenya and Beyond

Joho said the problem extends far beyond Kenya’s waters. He argued that nations must align enforcement policies and share intelligence to shut down illegal operators.

“One of the discussions we’re going to be having is global blacklisting for anyone or any company or any group that is dealing with IUU. IUU fishing has no space today,” Joho said.

He added that enforcement must cross borders to be effective. A vessel found breaking the law in Kenyan waters should not operate freely elsewhere, he said.

“A vessel that has committed a crime here should not comfortably be able to operate in any other waters. That can only be achieved if we have a common position,” Joho stated.

He urged nations to share surveillance technology and vessel data. Real-time information sharing, he said, would allow governments to track who is operating in whose waters and whether they hold valid licences.

“So don’t imagine for a minute that this can only be a Kenyan affair,” Joho said.

Kenya Eyes Bigger Tuna Quota and Sh32 Billion Investment

Joho said Kenya is in talks with the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) to nearly double the country’s current fishing quota. The IOTC has allocated Kenya a quota of approximately 3,200 tonnes. Joho said he hopes to see that figure grow.

“I’ll be very happy, as a minister here, if I see more Kenyan participation so that we tap into this enormous potential,” he said.

He noted that investors are showing strong interest in Kenyan fishing vessels. Kenya sits along the migration corridor of bluefin and yellowfin tuna, two of the most commercially valuable fish species in the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, the cabinet has approved plans for the CS to raise Sh32 billion through partnerships. The funds will go towards improving infrastructure and livelihoods for fisherfolk. The government has also invested in fish landing sites and cold-storage facilities along the coast and at the lakeside.

Our Ocean Conference Brings 6,000 Delegates to Mombasa

The 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) is the first to take place in Africa since the event began in 2014. It has drawn over 6,000 delegates from across the globe to Mombasa.

Joho said the conference has recorded over 2,900 commitments since its founding, with a combined value of over USD 160 billion. However, he said the focus now must shift from pledges to action.

“What we want to achieve here is to be able to close the gap and move into tangible action. Where conversations are now turned to concrete, implementable plans, so that communities and BMUs can feel the impact,” Joho said.

BMUs are Beach Management Units, the grassroots bodies that govern fishing activity along Kenya’s coastline and lakeshores.