The Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea successfully convened the first Regional Working Group on Small-Scale Marine Fisheries from 28–29 April 2026 in Accra, Ghana, marking a significant milestone in strengthening regional cooperation for the sustainable management of fisheries resources in West Africa.
This inaugural meeting, organized under the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP), brought together representatives from FCWC Member States—Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Togo as well as regional and international partners, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Union, and the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) among other technical institutions.
Small-scale fisheries remain a cornerstone of the region’s economy, accounting for over 80% of fish production in many FCWC countries and serving as a vital source of food, nutrition, employment, and income for millions of people. However, despite their importance, these fisheries face mounting pressures. Overexploitation of fish stocks, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU), weak monitoring systems, and inconsistent data collection continue to threaten the sustainability of the sector. Climate change further compounds these challenges, with projections indicating that fish production in some countries could decline by as much as 45 to 55 percent by 2050 if current trends persist.
A central theme of the meeting was the urgent need to address disparities in fisheries data across member states. Accurate, reliable, and harmonized data is essential for informed decision making and effective management of shared marine resources.
Participants emphasized that without a unified regional approach to data collection and analysis, efforts to sustainably manage fisheries would remain fragmented and less effective. The establishment of the Regional Working Group is therefore a strategic response to this gap, providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and coordinated action.
The two-day meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the state of small-scale marine fisheries in the region and laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
On the first day, member states presented national reports highlighting trends, challenges, and opportunities within their fisheries sectors. These discussions revealed common issues, including limited data availability, gaps in monitoring systems, and increasing pressure on fish stocks.
The second day focused on governance frameworks and management strategies. Participants reviewed a regional baseline report on small pelagic fisheries and examined practical guidance for improving conservation and management efforts.
A major outcome of the meeting was the recognition that sustainable fisheries management must be inclusive.
The establishment of the Regional Working Group represents a critical step toward achieving a more coordinated and sustainable approach to fisheries management in West Africa. By aligning policies, strengthening data systems, and promoting inclusive governance, the FCWC and its partners are working to build a resilient fisheries sector capable of supporting livelihoods for generations to come.
The meeting also reinforced the importance of continued cooperation and collaboration between member states and international partners. With support from organizations such as the FAO, EFCA, and the European Union, the FCWC is well-positioned to lead regional efforts in addressing the complex challenges facing small-scale fisheries.
Looking Ahead
As the FCWC moves forward, the outcomes of this inaugural meeting will serve as a foundation for ongoing efforts to harmonize fisheries management across the region. The recommendations and observations resulting from the meeting will be further refined and shared with member states for review, ensuring continued progress toward sustainable and inclusive fisheries governance.
Ultimately, safeguarding the future of small-scale marine fisheries in the Gulf of Guinea is not only an environmental priority but also a socio-economic imperative. Through strengthened cooperation and collective action, the FCWC region is taking meaningful steps toward ensuring food security, economic stability, and sustainable resource use for millions who depend on its waters.
Tema, Ghana
