Source: The Hindu | Page 10 | Tags: 18 June 2026, Blue Economy, Environment, GS3, Marine Conservation
Context: Mombasa Declaration against IUU Fishing
The Mombasa Declaration was adopted by 15 countries at the Our Ocean Conference 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya, to strengthen global action against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.
India is not a signatory.
Objective
The declaration aims to enhance transparency in:
- Fishing vessel ownership
- Licensing
- Tracking
- International information-sharing
Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing
IUU Fishing means:
Illegal Fishing
- Fishing in violation of national or international laws.
Unreported Fishing
- Fishing activities that are not reported or are misreported.
Unregulated Fishing
- Fishing in areas or by vessels where there are no adequate conservation or management measures.
Why It Matters
IUU Fishing harms:
- Marine biodiversity
- Fish stocks
- Coastal livelihoods
- Food security
- Blue economy
- Marine governance
It contributes to the need for stronger implementation of SDG 14: Life Below Water.
Prelims Facts
Mombasa
- Major port city of Kenya on the Indian Ocean.
FAO Port State Measures Agreement, 2009
- First legally binding treaty against IUU Fishing.
- India is a party.
Mombasa Declaration vs PSMA
Mombasa Declaration
- Voluntary political commitment.
- Focuses on transparency, vessel data and information-sharing.
Port State Measures Agreement, 2009
- Legally binding treaty.
- Focuses on port inspections, denial of port entry and enforcement against illegally caught fish.
