Strengthening ocean protection in West Africa
Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is one of the biggest threats to marine ecosystems, depleting fish stocks, damaging biodiversity and undermining the livelihoods of coastal communities. Yet enforcement – one of the most effective tools for tackling illegal fishing – is often under-resourced. When properly implemented, it acts as a powerful deterrent, reducing overfishing and creating lasting benefits for both small-scale fishing communities and marine biodiversity.
Sea Shepherd is at the forefront of tackling IUU fishing through government partnerships that bolster enforcement at sea. By providing patrol vessels, crew and expertise, they empower local authorities to conduct inspections, deter illegal operators and protect marine biodiversity.
Our funding will directly contribute to:
Safeguarding The Gambia’s Special Management Area – a 12-nautical-mile coastal zone reserved for artisanal fishers. Through targeted patrols, Sea Shepherd aims to reduce illegal incursions by 50%, ensuring local communities retain access to sustainable fisheries.
Protecting Liberia’s Inshore Exclusion Zone – preventing destructive fishing practices by supporting boardings, inspections and legal reforms to close loopholes that allow damaging trawling methods. This work is vital to protect spawning grounds and juvenile fish, allowing fish populations to recover.
By funding these initiatives, we are reinforcing the importance of effective enforcement in marine conservation, ensuring that protections on paper translate into meaningful action on the water.
