Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire, 24th – 26th March 2026
The Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) reinforced its leadership role in advancing sustainable fisheries governance across West Africa through a strategic agreement with the Interregional Maritime Safety Institute of the Regional Academy of Marine Sciences and Techniques together with its partners the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) and the Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC).
Under the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) project, funded by the European Union, this strategic agreement represents a collective vision for a future where marine resources are protected, fisheries are sustainably managed and coastal communities can thrive.
The agreement also reflects a broader move toward smarter, data-driven fisheries governance. With risk analysis, joint operations, and shared expertise at the forefront, FCWC is positioning the region to respond more effectively to emerging threats.
A key focus of the 3 day Regional Risk Analysis workshop held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire was the adoption of risk assessment methodologies as a foundation for planning and executing fisheries control operations. This initiative empowers FCWC Member States with the tools
needed to:
• Detect high-risk fishing activities and pinpoint priority areas
• Allocate surveillance and enforcement resources more effectively
• Support informed, data-driven operational decisions
• Enhance both national and regional resilience to IUU fishing
Through initiatives like this, FCWC continues to demonstrate its value as a regional leader in fisheries governance, bridging national priorities with regional strategies and international support mechanisms.
As West Africa continues to strengthen its blue economy, FCWC’s role not only strengthening enforcement systems but also advancing a broader vision of sustainable, transparent, and cooperative ocean governance in West Africa.
This partnership under the WASOP project is not just about coordination, it is about building a unified, resilient system that protects marine resources and supports coastal communities for the long term.
