In New Pact, Gabon and Global Fishing Watch Vow to Ramp Up Fight Against Illegal Fishing

LIBREVILLE, Gabon — Global Fishing Watch, an international nonprofit organization advancing ocean governance through transparency of human activity at sea, and the government of Gabon, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) marking a strategic step toward advancing better ocean governance and responsible stewardship in the country’s fisheries sector, the two parties have confirmed. 

The agreement, signed on June 25,  lays the groundwork for Gabonese fisheries authorities and Global Fishing Watch to accelerate initiatives aimed at improving the monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) of the country’s vast marine resources through the sharing of fisheries data. By leveraging satellite technology and data analytics, the partnership will also support Gabon’s efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, particularly in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), where intrusions by foreign vessels remain a persistent concern.

“In line with the vision of His Excellency President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Gabonese Republic, Gabon has chosen transparency, control and compliance with international standards,” Laurence Mengue-Me-Nzoghe Ndong, Minister of the Sea, Fisheries and Blue Economy announced during the MoU signing ceremony. 

Global Fishing Watch and Gabon commenced their collaboration in 2020 by inititiating efforts to bolster oversight of Gabon’s fishing sector through the use of advanced satellite technology. A major milestone was reached in June 2024 when Global Fishing Watch formalized a partnership with the Gulf of Guinea Regional Fisheries Commission (COREP), a coalition of 11 African nations including Gabon, to address urgent maritime challenges, such as IUU fishing, across the Gulf of Guinea’s 5,700 km coastline. The Gulf of Guinea has long been considered one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the world and its waters are an important economic engine for the region, supporting livelihoods and providing a key source of food for its coastal States as well as exports for key markets. 

For its part, the new MoU will ensure the transfer of capacity and technology to support Gabonese authorities in their efforts to track the country’s industrial fishing fleet. It will also open the door to technical cooperation on Gabon’s ambitious initiative to equip its artisanal fishing fleet — comprising around 1,000 pirogues — with vessel tracking devices. With more than 300 units already installed through the CLS NEMO system, the government is seeking analytical support to harness the full potential of this data and inform policy and enforcement. In addition, the partnership will enhance the government’s efforts to monitor fisheries, protect marine biodiversity and improve maritime safety by working together to expand the use of automatic identification systems (AIS) by vessels operating in Gabon’s EEZ and reviewing and strengthening the policies and regulations guiding both industrial and small-scale fisheries management.  

Vessel tracking is foundational to ocean transparency and remains a powerful tool in combating IUU fishing. Indeed, vessel tracking provides crucial information on a given vessel, including its whereabouts and activities, and supports wider ocean governance efforts such as protecting sensitive marine habitats and biodiversity, conducting marine spatial planning and ensuring the safety of fishers at sea. Indeed, the new agreement with Gabon will also see Global Fishing Watch support the country’s authorities with data, analysis and training support to boost surveillance of industrial vessels and small-scale fishing boats; the monitoring of marine protected areas (MPAs); the implementation of the Port State Measures Agreement; and monitoring transshipment policies at sea. 

“By formalizing this agreement, Gabon is reinforcing its leadership in regional fisheries transparency and ocean governance,” said Dame Mboup, Global Fishing Watch’s manager for Africa. “This partnership enables smarter, more effective management of Gabon’s marine resources, benefiting both local communities and the broader West African ecosystem.”

“Together, we’re working to put data at the heart of decision-making for healthier oceans,” he added. “With transparency as the foundation, Gabon is setting a standard for others to follow.”

The MoU with Global Fishing Watch marks Gabon’s latest step in combating illegal fishing and advancing ocean transparency. During the signing ceremony, Minister Ndong also announced a partnership with Global Fishing Watch partner TMT. Together, Global Fishing Watch, the International Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Network and TMT created the Joint Analytical Cell, which supports authorities with fisheries intelligence, analysis and capacity building to fight IUU fishing.