From December 9 to 10, 2024, the Cameroon Fisheries Society (SCH) hosted an international conference at the Alvi Hotel in Douala on the theme: “Sustainability of Fishing in Cameroon: Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Industrial Overfishing Conflicting with Artisanal Fishing”. This crucial event brought together experts, decision-makers, and researchers to discuss the major challenges facing Cameroon’s fishing industry.

The conference was officially launched by Professor Joseph Dika Manga, Vice-Rector of the University of Douala, who represented the absent Rector. In his opening remarks, he praised the commitment of participants to finding sustainable solutions to the crises in the fishing sector. He emphasized the importance of this gathering to « collectively reflect on sustainable solutions » and called on experts to propose actionable recommendations for preserving the country’s marine resources.

A call for collective action

In her keynote speech, Professor Minette Tomedi Eyango, Director of the Institute of Fisheries Sciences at the University of Douala and President of SCH, highlighted the pressing issues at hand. “We must take a critical look at Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as industrial overfishing, which are significant obstacles to the development of the fishing sector in Cameroon,” she stated. She pointed out that these practices are especially harmful to artisanal fishing, which sustains numerous coastal communities in the country.

Professor Tomedi Eyango also emphasized the urgency of protecting marine ecosystems, which are being devastated by IUU fishing. “Our marine ecosystems are in peril, with severe economic consequences for coastal communities that rely on the sea for their livelihood,” she warned. She urged stronger cooperation between national and international stakeholders to protect Cameroon’s marine resources.

Regional cooperation is key

Moussa Mbengue, Executive Secretary of the West African Association for the Development of Artisanal Fisheries (ADEPA), shared Senegal’s experience in managing marine protected areas (MPAs). He argued that co-management of MPAs is a model Cameroon should adopt, as it combines conservation with economic development.

“It is difficult to combat IUU fishing at the level of just one country,” Mbengue asserted, advocating for strengthened sub-regional cooperation to fight IUU fishing more effectively. He also stressed that “local communities must be at the heart of resource management systems, as they are the most affected by overfishing and IUU fishing.”

An alarming situation for fisheries resources

Cameroon faces a critical deficit in fish production, generating only 295,000 tons annually, while domestic demand is estimated at 500,000 tons. Since 2023, the country has been suspended from the international fishing scene due to unreported fishing practices. This has not only worsened the economic situation but also put marine biodiversity at greater risk, underscoring the need for immediate action.

Key recommendations for the future of fisheries

The participants made several key recommendations to address the pressing issues in the sector:

• Strengthening fishing surveillance systems by involving local communities in the fight against IUU fishing.
• Aligning training programs for Cameroonian fishermen with international standards, particularly the STCW-F Convention.
• Introducing blue education modules in academic programs to raise awareness about the sustainable management of marine resources.
• Equipping Cameroon with a scientific research vessel to collect accurate data on fish stocks.

A call for urgent mobilization

Through this conference, the Cameroon Fisheries Society issued a strong call to authorities and industry stakeholders to take immediate measures to curb IUU fishing and ensure the sustainability of marine resources. The remarks from Professor Dika Manga, Professor Minette Tomedi Eyango, and Moussa Mbengue underscored the urgency of collective action to halt the degradation of Cameroon’s marine ecosystems. With a rigorous and participatory approach, along with reinforced regional cooperation, Cameroon can chart a sustainable path for its fishing industry and secure a prosperous future for its coastal communities.

Jean Bosco BELL