In a recent Blue Dialogues webinar series, convened by the Commonwealth Blue Charter programme, experts from the Marine Action Partnership in The Bahamas expressed the view that strengthened marine law enforcement could hold the key to revolutionising marine conservation.
The discussion, From Policy to Practice: Marine Action Partnership and Sustainable Coastal Fisheries Management, was hosted in collaboration with the Bahamas National Trust, Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network, The Nature Conservancy and WildAid. Speakers zeroed in on strategies to combat the urgent challenges of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The webinar brought together over 100 policymakers, researchers, and environmental advocates from across the Commonwealth, a testament to the Secretariat's longstanding leadership in promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation.
A call for unified action
IUU fishing is a grave threat to marine ecosystems and local economies. Experts underscored the necessity for a unified approach at both national and international levels.
Dr Nicholas Hardman-Mountford, Head of Oceans and Natural Resources at the Commonwealth Secretariat, emphasised:
“Properly managed marine protected areas and fisheries can protect our coral reefs, rejuvenate marine wildlife and ecosystems, create jobs, and provide food for millions of people worldwide.”
Mr Riibeta Abeta, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, Kiribati, added:
“For small island developing states, marine resources are the lifeblood of our economies and communities. The escalating threats to these vital resources are already causing significant harm, underscoring the urgent need for effective conservation and enforcement measures.”
Key statistics highlight the urgency
Today, more than 60% of marine protected areas (MPAs) are not well-enforced, and US$23 billion annually is lost to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. WildAid Marine designs and applies effective enforcement solutions to deter illegal fishing and strengthen the protection of priority marine areas to benefit endangered wildlife, marine ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal communities.
Fisheries are vital to The Bahamas, providing livelihoods for tens of thousands of fishers and contributing US$1.24 billion to GDP. Yet, IUU fishing persists, costing the country over US$135 million annually. Effective marine management is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of these resources, ensuring the country’s economic and ecological sustainability.
Marine action partnerships: The Bahamas approach
Ms Marcia Musgrove from The Nature Conservancy highlighted the transformative power of national action plans and that 20 years of experience in The Bahamas has shown this to be the case. Mr David Knowles from the Bahamas National Trust presented a compelling case study on The Bahamas’ efforts to curb IUU fishing and protect marine biodiversity.
“Our national parks are vital for conserving ecosystems and cultural heritage, providing essential benefits such as biodiversity preservation, ecosystem services, and recreational opportunities,” said Knowles.
Cmdr Desiree Corneille, representing the Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network, added that they are "committed to safeguarding these treasures through robust enforcement and strategic community partnerships".
A comprehensive approach
Mr Gregg Casad, Senior Compliance Adviser at WildAid, shared insights on a replicable model based on lessons learned in The Bahamas:
“Our experience in The Bahamas has provided a blueprint that can be adapted and replicated in other regions. The key is to tailor the approach to local conditions while maintaining a strong enforcement framework.”
The event, in line with the objectives of the Sustainable Coastal Fisheries Action Group, co-championed by the Maldives and Kiribati, concluded with a powerful reaffirmation of the Commonwealth’s steadfast commitment to combating IUU fishing across member states, highlighting the urgent need for global cooperation to ensure sustainable marine conservation.
The full recording of the webinar, and others in the series, can be viewed on the Blue Charter main page.
Media contact
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Suné Kitshoff Senior Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
