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Our mission / Our mandate

Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a global threat. It leads to unfair competition and global losses of between USD 10 and 23.5 billion annually, which is the equivalent of between 11 and 26 million tonnes of fish. Ending IUU fishing is target 14.4 of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), evidence of its global reach. Declining fish stocks put the coastal, island and inland countries and their communities at risk, with small-scale fisheries being particularly vulnerable. The SADC MCSCC is a joint effort of member states to curb IUU fishing in the SADC region. Through the systematic sharing of information on licensed and flagged vessels in the region, including information for lakes bordered by several countries, the MCSCC will create a comprehensive database of vessels, their operators, and agents, accessible to all member states, that can support decision-making and enforcement. Together, we will combat IUU fishing, protect small-scale fisheries and secure livelihoods for millions of people living in the SADC region.