(Business in Cameroon) – Cameroon has officially joined the Global Charter for Transparency in Fisheries, an international agreement that promotes ethical, legal, and sustainable fishing. The charter, signed on April 29 by the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries (Minepia), commits the country to ensuring seafood products are not linked to illegal fishing or human rights abuses.
The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), a global watchdog group working to stop illegal and unregulated fishing, praised the move as a “clear show of leadership from Cameroon on the international stage.”
With a coastline stretching nearly 400 kilometers, Cameroon is home to more than 212,000 fishers. In 2022, the country’s total fish production reached close to 300,000 tons, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. About 84% of this volume came from small-scale artisanal fishing.
But illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains a serious problem. EJF says much of the illegal activity comes from foreign trawlers operating without proper oversight. Crew members aboard industrial vessels have repeatedly reported cases of abuse, the group noted.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Irène Guy Mimbang, technical advisor at the fisheries ministry, said: “Transparency is not an end in itself, but it is a powerful tool to fight illegal fishing, protect our communities, and support businesses that play by the rules. We know this is a long battle, and we are committed to staying the course.” Steve Trent, founder and CEO of EJF, also welcomed the move. “This strong support for the charter shows that Cameroon is serious about building a fishing sector that is legal, ethical, and sustainable. The real winners will be the coastal communities and fishers, whose livelihoods and food security are at risk. This step will also create ripple effects beyond Cameroon. We applaud the decision but recognize that much work remains,” he said.
In recent years, Cameroon has taken steps to show its willingness to tackle IUU fishing. The country now publishes an annual list of foreign vessels allowed to fish in its waters.
However, a 2024 report by EJF pointed to gaps in enforcement. The group found that by the end of 2023, several foreign trawlers appeared to be fishing in Cameroonian waters despite not being on that year’s authorized list. According to official records, these vessels were only granted licenses in 2024 after changing names and operators in 2023.
