Combatting IUU Fishing in Mauritius – A Blue Economy Success Story

Combatting IUU Fishing in Mauritius – A Blueprint for a Sustainable Blue Economy

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing remains one of the most pressing threats to global fisheries and marine biodiversity. In recent years, the Government of Mauritius has taken significant measures to address this growing challenge. During the informal dialogue between the European Union Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (EU-DG MARE) and the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, held from July 7–11, 2025 in Port Louis, Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to combating IUU fishing. This article explores the strategies being implemented by the island nation to safeguard its maritime resources and promote sustainable development.

The Scope and Impact of IUU Fishing Globally

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing accounts for up to 26 million tons of fish annually, representing an estimated economic loss of over $23 billion worldwide. IUU fishing undermines national and international efforts to manage fish stocks sustainably, damages marine ecosystems, and threatens food security for millions who rely on seafood as their primary protein source.

In many regions, especially in coastal African countries, IUU fishing exploits weak enforcement mechanisms and lack of surveillance capabilities. Foreign vessels often operate under flags of convenience or engage in transshipment at sea to evade detection. The result is depleted fish populations, loss of revenue for local governments, and increased vulnerability for small-scale fishers.

Mauritius, with its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), faces similar challenges. However, it has emerged as a regional leader in implementing robust monitoring systems and fostering international cooperation to tackle IUU fishing head-on.

Why IUU Fishing Is a Global Concern

The problem of IUU fishing extends beyond environmental degradation; it also affects trade, governance, and human rights. Countries that fail to control IUU activities risk facing trade sanctions, such as the EU’s “yellow card” system, which warns nations about inadequate fisheries governance.

In February 2024, the EU issued a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening fisheries management across several African states, including Mauritius. These guidelines have since guided the ongoing discussions during the 2025 informal dialogue session in Port Louis, where progress and next steps are being evaluated.

Mauritius’ Strategy to Tackle IUU Fishing

Over the past decade, Mauritius has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to combat IUU fishing. This includes enhancing maritime surveillance, improving traceability of fish products, and promoting transparency in fisheries governance.

The government has invested heavily in satellite-based vessel monitoring systems and strengthened its coast guard’s capacity to conduct regular patrols. Additionally, electronic logbooks and digital catch documentation systems have been introduced to ensure that all fish landed in Mauritian ports can be traced back to legal sources.

One of the key outcomes of the 2025 EU-Mauritius dialogue was the agreement to expand joint training programs for fisheries inspectors and law enforcement agencies. This collaboration aims to build institutional capacity and align national policies with international best practices.

Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Enforcement

To effectively combat IUU fishing, Mauritius has revised its fisheries legislation to impose stricter penalties on violators. These include hefty fines, confiscation of vessels, and imprisonment for serious offenses. The country has also established a dedicated fisheries inspection unit to coordinate enforcement efforts across different agencies.

These legal reforms are complemented by increased regional cooperation through platforms like the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), where Mauritius plays an active role in shaping sustainable tuna management policies.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provides comprehensive guidelines on combating IUU fishing, offering technical support to countries seeking to strengthen their fisheries governance frameworks.

International Cooperation: A Key Pillar

Addressing IUU fishing requires a coordinated global effort. No single country can tackle this issue alone, especially when illegal fishing operations often span multiple jurisdictions. That’s why the informal dialogue between the EU and Mauritius represents a crucial milestone in the fight against IUU fishing.

This annual event brings together policymakers, scientists, and civil society representatives to review progress, identify gaps, and agree on actionable plans. Since the EU’s last recommendations in February 2024, Mauritius has made notable strides in improving data transparency, enhancing surveillance technologies, and increasing public awareness about the impacts of IUU fishing.

EU-Mauritius Partnership Against IUU Fishing

The European Union has played a pivotal role in supporting anti-IUU initiatives globally. Through financial aid, technical expertise, and policy advice, the EU helps partner countries develop robust fisheries management systems. In the case of Mauritius, the EU’s involvement has contributed significantly to strengthening port state measures and ensuring compliance with international regulations.

As part of the ongoing dialogue in Port Louis, both parties have committed to developing a joint action plan that outlines specific targets for reducing IUU fishing activities within the next three years.

Economic and Environmental Implications

The economic impact of IUU fishing is profound, particularly for island nations like Mauritius that depend heavily on marine resources for food security and export earnings. It’s estimated that IUU fishing costs the country millions of dollars annually in lost revenues and missed opportunities for sustainable development.

From an environmental perspective, IUU fishing accelerates the depletion of fish stocks and disrupts marine ecosystems. Overfishing leads to imbalances in predator-prey relationships, while destructive fishing methods such as bottom trawling damage coral reefs and seagrass beds—critical habitats for marine life.

Sustainable Development Goals and IUU Fishing

Target 14.4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) calls for the effective regulation of fishing and the elimination of IUU fishing by 2030. Mauritius’ proactive stance aligns closely with this objective, demonstrating how regional leadership can contribute to achieving global sustainability targets.

By investing in sustainable fisheries and enforcing strict compliance measures, Mauritius not only protects its natural resources but also enhances its reputation as a responsible player in the global seafood market.

Public Awareness and Community Engagement

Combating IUU fishing is not solely a government responsibility—it requires the active participation of local communities, fishermen, and consumers. Public awareness campaigns play a vital role in educating people about the consequences of IUU fishing and encouraging responsible consumption choices.

In Mauritius, the Ministry of Fisheries has launched outreach programs targeting schools, fishing villages, and markets. These initiatives aim to foster a culture of conservation and empower citizens to report suspicious fishing activities.

Engaging Fishermen in Anti-IUU Efforts

Fishermen are often the first line of defense against IUU fishing. By involving them in monitoring and reporting, authorities can gather real-time intelligence and take swift action. Incentive-based schemes, such as rewards for information leading to arrests, have proven effective in other countries and could be explored in Mauritius.

Training programs that teach legal fishing techniques and promote sustainable livelihoods are also essential in reducing the temptation to engage in illegal practices out of economic necessity.

Future Outlook and Challenges Ahead

While Mauritius has made commendable progress in the fight against IUU fishing, several challenges remain. These include limited resources for continuous monitoring, evolving tactics used by illegal fishers, and the need for stronger regional coordination among Indian Ocean nations.

Looking ahead, continued investment in technology, legal reform, and international partnerships will be crucial. The upcoming action plan developed jointly with the EU will serve as a roadmap for future interventions, setting measurable benchmarks and timelines for success.

Technology as a Game Changer

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drone surveillance, and blockchain-based traceability systems offer promising solutions to enhance fisheries monitoring and enforcement. Mauritius is already exploring the integration of these tools into its existing framework to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.

By embracing innovation and leveraging global expertise, the country can stay ahead of IUU fishing networks and ensure long-term protection of its marine resources.

Conclusion: A Model for Regional Leadership

Mauritius’ unwavering commitment to combating IUU fishing sets a powerful example for other nations in the region and beyond. Through strategic investments, legal reforms, and strong international partnerships, the island nation is paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable blue economy.

As the world grapples with the dual crises of climate change and resource depletion, the lessons learned from Mauritius’ experience provide valuable insights into how collective action and political will can drive meaningful change.

For more information on how technology is transforming fisheries management, read our article on How Technology Is Revolutionizing Fisheries Monitoring.

Image Caption: A patrol vessel intercepting an IUU fishing boat near the coast of Mauritius. Photo: Unsplash

Image Caption: Fisheries officials conducting routine inspections of fish landings in Port Louis. Photo: Unsplash

Source of article: AllAfrica