Assessment of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Activities in the Territorial Waters of Nigeria

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is a pervasive problem in West African territorial waters, undermining stock sustainability, depriving Nigeria of significant fiscal revenue, and compromising food security. This study assessed the scale, types, and drivers of IUU fishing in Nigerian territorial waters. Vessel monitoring system data from NIMASA for the period 2021 to 2024 were analysed for irregular vessel positioning and identity anomalies. Fisheries observer records from 120 sea days aboard industrial fishing vessels were reviewed. Structured interviews were conducted with 65 fisheries enforcement officers, traditional rulers, and community leaders in coastal states. Port inspection records of landed catch were examined for compliance with regulations on minimum mesh size, bycatch limits, and area restrictions. AIS transponder switching events indicated suspected illegal entry into territorial waters by foreign-flagged vessels on 87 occasions over the four-year study period. Observer records confirmed under-reporting of bycatch in 43 percent of observed trawl hauls. Artisanal fishers' testimonials documented frequent confrontations with foreign vessels fishing in nearshore zones reserved for artisanal use. Enforcement capacity analysis revealed that Nigerian Navy and NIMASA combined conducted an average of fewer than 3 patrol vessel operations per week in the Exclusive Economic Zone. Penalties for detected IUU violations were found to be insufficient deterrents. The study proposes strengthening vessel monitoring systems, establishing a dedicated fisheries protection unit, and joining the Port State Measures Agreement to interdict IUU fishing. Keywords: IUU fishing, Nigeria, vessel monitoring, fisheries enforcement, Exclusive Economic Zone.