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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has signed the host agreement for the Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) to improve coordination among SADC member states in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The agreement was signed in Maputo, Mozambique, on Friday by SADC MCSCC board chairperson Stanley Ndara and Mozambique’s minister of agriculture, environment and fisheries, Roberto Albino. According to Ndara, who is also chief executive of the Namibia Fisheries Observer Agency, this is a game changer in southern African fisheries governance. “We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that the host agreement for the SADC MCSCC is officially signed,” he said. Ndara described the signing as the result of long-term regional cooperation. “This is a historical moment for SADC, which culminated over a decade of teamwork, smart planning and a deep commitment to keeping our fisheries healthy for future generations,” he said. The MCSCC was first conceptualised in 2017 when member states signed a charter establishing the centre. An interim project management unit has since been coordinating preparatory work, supported by a regional technical team drawn from fisheries authorities across the region. With the host agreement now in place, the centre can begin operating in line with the 15 articles of its founding charter. “This means we’re ready to go all out to stop illegal fishing, beef up our regional compliance and monitoring, and ensure our fisheries are managed without fear or prejudice,” said Ndara SADC countries rely heavily on marine resources for food security, employment and national revenue. Over the years the region has faced persistent challenges with foreign vessels operating unlawfully in its waters, as well as cases of cross-border fisheries crime. Ndara said the centre will coordinate joint operations, surveillance patrols, training and data exchange among national fisheries agencies. It will also assist member states in enforcing laws and following up on suspected illegal activities at sea. “Let’s soldier on for a prosperous SADC region, free of IUU fishing and fisheries crimes,” he said.
