Evaluation of factors influencing the persistence of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing among the small pelagic fishery along the Coast of Tanzania

It is generally accepted that a crisis in future global food security is looming due to the world's population growth, increasing demand for fish protein, and the depletion of many of the world's fish stocks. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is also rising at an alarming rate, with significant biological and economic consequences. Along the Tanzanian coast, the demand for fishery resources has been increasing due to population and tourism development, leading to increased fishing pressure and the use of destructive gears.The present study investigated the evidence of IUU fishing on Tanzania’s small pelagic fisheries focusing on three landing sites: Kilindoni, Kipumbwi, and Kilwa Kivinje. Data collection methods included structured and semi-structured questionnaire survey of 414 respondents, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and a review of secondary data. The present study revealed that lack of alternative livelihood activities is a key driving factor for the persistence of illegal fishing in the selected landing sites. The types of IUU fishing reported in the study area were beach seine, the use of small mesh-sized nets, and unlicensed fishers. At the Kipumbwi site, in 2018, there were 203 unlicensed fishers and 113 licensed fishers. The reported challenges in combating illegal fishing include the influence of brotherhood, inadequate funding, and inadequate law enforcement. Thus, there is a need for sustainable financing, strengthening law enforcement, capacity building, and establishing alternative livelihood activities.