On the occasion of the International Day against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing this Friday, June 5, 2026, the Ivorian government took a firm stance. Through its Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, Sidi Tiémoko Touré, Côte d'Ivoire reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards this scourge that is plundering its waters.

A direct threat to the economy and biodiversity

IUU fishing is not just an environmental problem; it is a multidimensional crisis. The minister reiterated the dramatic consequences of these fraudulent practices:

1. Environmental: Overexploitation of fish stocks and destruction of marine biodiversity.
2. Economic: Crucial loss of revenue for state coffers and weakening of the incomes of coastal communities.
3. Social: Direct threat to the country's food security.

Enhanced monitoring and biological rest

With an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of nearly 200,000 km² to protect, Côte d'Ivoire is deploying significant resources. The maritime surveillance system has been thoroughly restructured thanks to the reorganization of the Fisheries Surveillance Center (CSP) and the ongoing support of the National Navy.

In parallel, the biological rest measures imposed by the government are bearing fruit, allowing a necessary regeneration of fishery resources.

Focus on high technology by 2026

To track down offenders more effectively, the year 2026 marks a technological turning point with the launch of two major projects:

1. The extension of satellite monitoring to artisanal fishing, which is often more difficult to control.
2. The construction of a state-of-the-art National Fisheries Monitoring Centre , equipped with geolocation tools and real-time data analysis.

"Ivory Coast will remain uncompromising in its stance against those responsible for illegal fishing and will continue its efforts to build a sustainable and prosperous fisheries sector" — Sidi Tiémoko Touré , Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources.

Unity is strength

Faced with a globalized fraud network, Côte d'Ivoire is relying on international cooperation. The minister praised the effectiveness of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement signed with the European Union , as well as the synergies developed with the Fisheries Committee of the Central-Western Gulf of Guinea (CPCO) .

The minister concluded his speech by paying a vibrant tribute to the fisheries inspectors, surveillance agents and sailors who work daily, often in the shadows, to preserve Ivory Coast's marine heritage.