The Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), with support from TMT and the technical team, held a two-day regional training on Intelligence-Led Fisheries Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement from 24–25 August 2026 at the FCWC Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Centre (RMCSC) in Tema, Ghana.
The training brought together Fisheries Inspectors, Fisheries Monitoring Centre (FMC) operators from the six FCWC member states and a representative from the Nigeria Navy and Liberia Coast Guard. providing a platform for strengthening technical capacity, sharing experiences, and promoting greater collaboration among national fisheries and maritime enforcement institutions.
The training focused on strengthening participants’ ability to use available fisheries and maritime information to support more targeted and effective inspection and enforcement activities. Participants explored relevant monitoring platforms, their available data and practical applications, including the use of analytical tools to support the identification of vessels of interest and operational decision-making.
A significant part of the programme focused on pre-operation analysis and the preparation of intelligence-led inspection briefs. Participants engaged in practical exercises on identifying vessels of interest, preparing written inspection briefs, delivering oral briefings, and effectively communicating information to inspection teams. To apply these skills in a real-world scenario, the training also featured a practical simulation exercise conducted on a vessel at the port.
The participation of Fisheries Inspectors, FMC operators, and Naval personnel provided an important multi-agency dimension to the training, strengthening the connection between information gathering, analysis, and frontline enforcement. The exchange of knowledge and operational experiences among the six member states also reinforced the importance of regional cooperation and information-sharing in addressing fisheries compliance challenges.
The training forms part of FCWC’s continued efforts to strengthen regional capacity for effective Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) and promote a more coordinated, intelligence-driven approach to fisheries enforcement. By equipping key personnel with practical analytical and inspection skills, the programme contributes to stronger regional cooperation and more effective efforts to ensure compliance with fisheries regulations and promote sustainable fisheries management.
