The implementation of environmental management strategies is essential for the adoption of sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of marine resources. Management strategies can be developed by identifying common issues affecting fisheries and adopting suitable policies.
This study examines the convergence hypothesis of the ecological balance of fisheries in 20 African countries from 1961 to 2018. In addition to the convergence hypothesis, the univariate stochastic properties of fishery balance are also examined. Within this context, second-generation panel unit root tests ignoring or considering the structural breaks are performed. The convergence hypothesis is tested for 20 African countries. This study will contribute to the development of standard, reliable, effective marine policies for fisheries and marine sustainability in African countries, bringing long-term benefits to the fisheries sector and marine ecosystems.
The reproductive and developmental processes of marine life take time, and any disruption to these processes can lead to a decline in biodiversity and damage to ecosystems. Effective management of marine ecosystems and conservation of biodiversity are crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) targets for reducing poverty and hunger and improving health and well-beinG. They are therefore critical elements for the overall health of our planet. The demand for marine animals has risen dramatically over the past 60 years, which is a significant cause for concern. In 1974, fish stocks stood at 90 %; by 2019, this figure had fallen to 64.6 %, showing a significant loss.
In addition, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (hereafter IUU) fishing poses a significant threat to the integrity of marine ecosystems. These fishing practices, along with related illegal activities classed as maritime crime, undermine the long-term sustainability of marine resources and pose risks to economic, societal, and political stability .
The oceans of the world are currently facing a significant sustainability crisis due to overfishing and IUU fishing, with African countries being particularly affected. African countries notable for its rich natural resources and various social and ecological elements. However, the continent is associated with poverty due to its rapidly increasing population and overfishing. Across the continent, there is a close relationship between the population and natural resources (Brown & Crawford, 2010). Fishing, in particular, plays a significant economic role for countries on the continent, providing livelihoods, income, and a source of food. African countries have identified IUU fishing as a national security threat due to the significant damage that can result from the collapse of fishing. As marine resources and biodiversity decline, there is increasing interest in studying the elements that harm the marine ecosystem. Okafor-Yarwood (2019) addressed the importance of fishing resources for coastal communities in the Gulf of Guinea and the seriousness of IUU fishing in the region. It also focuses on factors that threaten the achievement of some SDGs by 2030. West Africa stands out prominently among the region’s most severely affected by IUU fishing activities. IUU fishing makes up approximately 65 % of the officially reported catch in this region.
A comprehensive study spanning a 20-year period aimed to assess the magnitude of illegal fishing in West Africa and identify regional variations. This study highlighted a significant disparity between the reported catch and the estimated total catch. West Africa’s estimated total catch was 40 % higher than the reported catch.
Fishing management structures in Africa have largely restricted small-scale fishing yet have been ineffective in regulating the industrial fishing sector (Okafor-Yarwood et al., 2022). Nevertheless, vessels from various countries are engaged in fishing activities, whether in accordance with the law or not. The unregulated entry of industrial vessels into waters reserved for artisanal fishing in Africa has resulted in a number of significant economic, food security, and maritime security issues, in addition to legal implications. As a consequence of overfishing, 40 % of fish populations are exploited, and 2 million tons of fish production are lost each year.
Maritime policies in Africa increasingly emphasize the economic potential of marine resources for sustainable development. However, this goal cannot be achieved if the oceans remain threatened (ISS, 2017). The SDGs represent a significant milestone as they explicitly focus on ocean-related issues. Adopted globally by the United Nations in 2015, the SDGs include a call for collective action to bring an end to poverty, preserve the environment, and promote peace and wealth for all . Achieving these goals requires a comprehensive approach that balances social, economic, and environmental sustainability (UNDP, 2023). SDG 14 explicitly includes objectives such as reducing marine pollution, conserving ecosystems, minimizing acidification, ending IUU fishing practices, investing in scientific knowledge and marine technologies, and upholding international law (United Nations, 2022).
Fish and fish-based products account for approximately 18 % of the overall consumption of animal protein. However, population growth and rising per capita incomes mean that fish consumption is predicted to rise by 30 % in the forthcoming years.
Hence, there is an immediate need to enforce appropriate fishery management procedures that assure the conservation of stocks and maximize sustainable yields. However, successful management requires accurate data collection and informed decision-making. Trade in fish and fishery products from both marine and inland waters is a significant and robust component of many national and regional economies in Africa. However, inadequate state enforcement capacity poses a challenge to protecting local and artisanal fisheries and combating illegal fishing in African coastal waters.
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