Cameroonian fisheries banned from European markets

The European Union Commission has banned the importation of Cameroonian seafood to European Union member states and says the country is uncooperative in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The information is contained in a release signed by the EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicuis on January 5th.

According to the release, the Commission has given the country a red card and says EU member states will turn away shipments from Cameroon even if it has catch certificates validated by national authorities.

The ban comes two years after the commission urged Cameroonian authorities in February 2021 to step up their action against illegal fishing.

According to the official, the decision is based on ” the inability of the Cameroonian authorities to ensure adequate control of the national fishing fleet and to take necessary corrective measures to stop illegal unreported and unregulated, IUU fishing activities,”.

It also records that the country has continued to register fishing vessels operating outside it’s waters including an IUU vessel without any monitoring of their activities.

According to the EU Commission, 26 tonnes of fish are estimated to be caught illegally each year which comprises of about 15% of the world’s total catch and IUU fishing is worth between 10billion -20 billion Euros per year.

The official also noted that they have zero tolerance for IUU fishing and therefore the Commission has acted strongly by giving Cameroon and four other countries red cards.

The Associated press last year investigated 14 vessels registered in Cameroon which were accused of illegal fishing and found out that they were owned and managed by companies based in EU member states.

However, the EU Commissioner also highlighted that the Commission will continue to dialogue with Cameroonian authorities to help the country address the identified shortcomings.

IUU fishing according to the EU Commission is one of the most serious threats to the sustainable exploitation of living aquatic resources. It jeopardizes the foundation of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy and it’s efforts at the international level to promote better ocean governance. It is a major hazard to the marine environment and biodiversity.