The issue of illegal tuna exports has come under scrutiny, with instances of overfishing and unsustainable practices threatening global tuna stocks. While there isn’t specific information available on a former Director of Fisheries being arraigned over an illegal tuna exports racket, the broader context of illegal fishing activities is a pressing concern. In Somalia, for example, weak governance systems and irregularly awarded deep-sea fishing contracts have led to the depletion of the country’s fisheries resources, including the threatened yellowfin tuna.
Globally, commercial tuna catches have consistently surpassed sustainable catch limits since 2015, driven in part by foreign criminal syndicates and destructive fishing methods. The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission has struggled to manage tuna stocks effectively, and the lack of transparency in fishing agreements and license issuance has exacerbated the problem. Countries like Vietnam are taking steps to promote sustainable tuna exports, including establishing auction markets for fair pricing and traceability data collection. However, challenges persist, such as difficulties in obtaining Seafood Catch Certificates and Catch Certificates required for traceability.
The economic implications of illegal fishing are significant, with estimates suggesting that Somalia loses around $300 million annually due to these activities. To combat this, international cooperation and stringent maritime frameworks are necessary to prevent and prosecute illegal fishing activities. The UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme, in partnership with Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, has convened high-level stakeholder meetings to address these issues and strengthen fisheries governance.
