U.S. strategy includes partners, whole-of-government to counter Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing

From a security standpoint IUU has been noted to threaten nations in many forms – from criminal activity at ports to the rule of law. These activities, coupled with food security, loss of income, and climate change all lead to instability.

“Togetherness means no one nation has to tackle these challenges alone.” Lt. Gen. Smith

By Patrick Loch , United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Oct 25, 2022

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For decades Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing has been a global problem affecting ocean ecosystems, threatening economic and food security, and putting law-abiding fishermen and seafood producers at a disadvantage.

From a security standpoint IUU has threatened nations in many forms – from criminal activity at ports to the rule of law. These activities, coupled with food security, loss of income, and climate change, all lead to instability.

The U.S. has released a 5-year strategy that outlines a regional approach that focuses on ‘flag states’ to support a whole-of-government approach to counter IUU fishing and related threats to maritime security.

“Each flag state or administration has demonstrated a willingness to and interest in taking effective action against IUU fishing activities associated with its vessels,” the report reads. “The U.S. aims to assist these governments and authorities to become self-sufficient, regional leaders in the fight against IUU fishing.”

One example of how the U.S. is helping partner nations in Africa with IUU is through a bilateral enforcement agreement to help protect Senegalese fisheries resources. The U.S. whole-of-government approach is also evident in a $15 million project – through USAID – to improve sustainability and detect and deter IUU fishing in Senegal.

These efforts will build off existing, partner-centric approaches like the Djibouti and Yaoundé Codes of Conduct and multinational maritime exercises Phoenix and Obangame Express to counter piracy and illicit activity in Africa’s waters.

“Togetherness means no one nation has to tackle these challenges alone,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kirk Smith, deputy commander, U.S. Africa Command, during Obangame Express 2022. “And that we each stand a little taller while shoulder to shoulder in the pursuit of peace and prosperity.”

Exercise Obangame Express 23 aids maritime security and prosecution in the Gulf of Guinea

USCGC Spencer (WMEC 905) completes multinational maritime security patrol, arrives in Dakar, Senegal

International exercise Obangame Express 2023 set to begin

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter ports in Cabo Verde

USS Hershel “Woody” Williams crew spends Christmas in Tanzania

U.S. Naval Forces Europe & Africa

IUU

Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated fishing

African Lion 23 Begins

18 nations and approximately 8,000 personnel will participate in African Lion 2023, U.S. Africa Command's largest annual combined, joint exercise that will take place in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia from May 13-June 18, 2023.

US, IVORIAN ARMIES HOST AFRICAN LAND FORCES SUMMIT IN ABIDJAN

Senior military leaders from African nations, as well as the U.S. and some European nations, meet to build relationships, exchange information on current topics of mutual interest and encourage cooperation in addressing challenges, May 8-12 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire during the African Land Forces Summit. The theme for this year’s summit is “Addressing security challenges through civil-military partnerships.”

Flintlock 2023 opens with ceremonies across Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire

Participants from 29 countries kicked off the command post and field training portion of Exercise Flintlock 2023 with opening ceremonies at four sites across Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire on March 7, 2023.

African Lion 23 Begins

US, IVORIAN ARMIES HOST AFRICAN LAND FORCES SUMMIT IN ABIDJAN

Flintlock 2023 opens with ceremonies across Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire

African Lion 23 Begins

US, IVORIAN ARMIES HOST AFRICAN LAND FORCES SUMMIT IN ABIDJAN

Flintlock 2023 opens with ceremonies across Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire

United States Africa Command

U.S. strategy includes partners, whole-of-government to counter Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing

From a security standpoint IUU has been noted to threaten nations in many forms – from criminal activity at ports to the rule of law. These activities, coupled with food security, loss of income, and climate change all lead to instability.

Obangame Express brings a multinational approach to security African waters

Obangame Express brings a multinational approach to security in African waters

USS Hershel “Woody” Williams Participates in Exercise Phoenix Express 2021

Phoenix Express 2016