Member States of the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRPC) are strengthening their response against illicit, unreported and unregulated fishing (INN).
The second joint maritime surveillance operation, carried out in the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone, resulted in the shipment of 13 ships in violation, illustrating the progress of regional cooperation in the face of a phenomenon that weakens the fishing resources of West Africa.
Called « SOO SALÉ », the operation took place from June 15 to 29, 2026 with the participation of fisheries administrations, national navies and control services from the three countries. It aimed to strengthen the surveillance of maritime areas and improve the application of the regulations against IUU fishing.
During this mission, 79 ships were inspected, including 13 were raded for various offences. For the CSRP, these results confirm the effectiveness of a strategy based on the pooling of human, technical and operational resources.
The success of this campaign is also based on the Subregional Operations Coordination Post, located at the National Fisheries Surveillance and Police Center (CNSP) in Conakry. This platform has made it possible to coordinate patrols and to share information in real time between the various services involved, making interventions faster and more targeted.
Beyond the operational results, this second joint mission reflects an evolution of maritime governance in West Africa. Faced with illegal fishing that crosses national borders, the States concerned are now relying on a collective response in order to better preserve marine resources, protect the livelihoods of coastal communities and secure revenues from the fisheries sector.
This operation is part of the AGIR-INN project, through which the CSRP supports its Member States in strengthening surveillance capacities, harmonizing control procedures and exchanging information. The organization thus intends to consolidate sustainable regional cooperation in the service of the protection of the oceans and the development of a blue economy in West Africa.
source : APA news
