Sixteen national governments from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific today adopted the Mombasa Declaration at the 11th Our Ocean Conference, committing to advance global fisheries transparency and strengthen efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The declaration was announced on June 21, 2026, in Mombasa, Kenya, according to verified reports from the conference.
The signatory countries include Kenya, the host nation, along with other nations such as Canada, Chile, Fiji, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Portugal, Senegal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. These countries pledged to enhance data sharing, adopt vessel tracking technologies, and promote sustainable fishing practices.
The Our Ocean Conference, initiated in 2014, brings together governments, businesses, and civil society to address ocean challenges. The 11th edition, held in Mombasa, focused on marine protected areas, climate change, and sustainable fisheries. The Mombasa Declaration specifically targets transparency in fisheries management to reduce overfishing and protect marine ecosystems.
Kenyan President William Ruto, who opened the conference, emphasized the importance of collective action. "This declaration marks a critical step toward ensuring our oceans remain healthy and productive for future generations," he said, as reported by local media. The declaration also calls for increased investment in monitoring and surveillance systems.
Environmental groups, including the World Wildlife Fund, welcomed the declaration but urged swift implementation. The agreement is non-binding, but signatories are expected to report progress at the next Our Ocean Conference, scheduled for 2027 in an as-yet-unannounced location.
