The nature and scope of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and fisheries crime in Cameroon: implications for maritime security

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fisheries crime undermine maritime security especially for vulnerable coastal nations in Africa. This is particularly problematic for Cameroon where millions of people directly depend on fisheries for their livelihoods. Drawing on primary and secondary data, this article reveals the extent of IUU fishing and fisheries crime practices, noting that their operational synergies are a threat to Cameroon’s blue economy development, marine safety, ocean health and human resilience, and by extension national security. Efforts toward combatting IUU fishing and fisheries crime must recognize their synergistic relationship and ensure cooperation with sub-national non-state actors.