Tanzania steps up war on illegal fishing in its territorial waters

Dubbed the “Magufuli Fish Case”, the incident ended with two individuals being fined Sh1 billion each or facing 10 years in prison. One of them, Tai, was also convicted of polluting Tanzanian waters with fish waste and oil, incurring an additional fine of Sh20 billion or a further 10-year sentence.

Although the convictions were later overturned, the case highlighted the growing threat of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in Tanzanian waters.

High stakes at sea

Tanzania’s EEZ spans more than 223,000 square kilometres and is abundant in high-value species such as tuna and sharks. However, this wealth has made it a target for foreign vessels, many of which operate without licences or underreport their catches.

A 2020 study by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) estimated that IUU fishing in the Southwest Indian Ocean costs the region $142.8 million annually. For Tanzania alone, the loss is estimated between $42 million and $85 million each year, funds that could otherwise support education, healthcare, infrastructure and food security.

Namibia, for comparison, loses around N$1.5 billion ($83.7 million) annually to IUU fishing, according to the Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations, signalling that the issue is both regional and deeply entrenched.

The impact is felt beyond government coffers. Over four million Tanzanians depend directly or indirectly on fisheries for their livelihoods. Illegal fishing depletes fish stocks, undermining the sustainability of local fisheries and pushing small-scale fishermen, the backbone of the coastal economy, towards poverty.

Environmental damage is also a growing concern. Waste and oil spills from foreign vessels, such as those in the Magufuli case, degrade marine ecosystems vital for tourism and long-term biodiversity.

Last week, some 400 dolphins were stranded along Vumawimbi Beach in Pemba’s Micheweni District. Seven died, while the rest were guided back to deeper waters by marine rangers. Authorities linked the stranding to noise pollution from fishing boats and abnormally warm waters, highlighting further environmental consequences.

Stronger surveillance and cooperation

Dr Emmanuel Sweke, Director General of the Deep-Sea Fishing Authority, acknowledged the historical challenges in marine protection but stressed that progress is being made.

“We cannot run away from our past, but a lot has been done to eradicate illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing,” he said.

Since 2014, the authority has worked closely with agencies including the Marine Police Unit, Navy, Anti-Narcotics Unit and KMKM. Monitoring tools such as the Universal Monitoring System (UMS) and the Automatic Identification System (AIS) now track both Tanzanian-flagged and foreign vessels in national waters.

Tanzania also began conducting monthly aerial patrols in 2016–2017 and now undertakes joint patrols every two months with regional partners, including Kenya, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles and Comoros.

These efforts have led to successful operations. In 2021, authorities intercepted a vessel loaded with narcotics, highlighting the overlap between illegal fishing and broader maritime crime.

“No country can claim full control over illegal fishing,” Dr Sweke noted. “Some illegal operators are even nationals of the same country.”

Nevertheless, enforcement has improved. By the end of the 2024/25 financial year, 53 fishing vessels had been licensed to operate legally in Tanzanian deep-sea waters—a significant step towards order and revenue collection.

Unlocking ocean wealth

Experts believe Tanzania could significantly boost its economy through stricter maritime regulation. A report by the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission estimates that improved enforcement could generate $16.3 to $21.6 million annually through licence fees, fines and penalties.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) projects that reducing IUU fishing by 40 percent could recover as much as $88 million in lost revenue for Tanzania each year.

Moreover, with improved vessel tracking and transparent licensing, the government could confidently issue more high-value commercial fishing permits—potentially bringing in up to $20 million annually.

Beyond financial returns, better regulation would ensure healthier fish stocks, protect marine ecosystems and reduce reliance on expensive seafood imports.

Experts also point to long-term benefits. Enhanced monitoring through vessel tracking systems, onboard observers and modern port inspections could cut illegal fishing by up to 50 percent, according to global studies.

Local communities are also being brought into the effort. Strengthening Beach Management Units (BMUs) through digital tools and training is helping turn fishermen into frontline defenders of Tanzania’s maritime resources.

 “This is not just an environmental issue—it’s economic sabotage,” said one fisheries official. “Every tonne of fish stolen from our waters is money taken from Tanzanian pockets.”

As the government pursues its Blue Economy agenda, experts insist that marine protection must be a central pillar. With more investment in surveillance, regulation and community empowerment, Tanzania could reclaim its ocean wealth and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.