16 Countries Adopted the Mombasa Declaration and Unite Against Illegal Fishing

On June 17, 2026, 16 countries came together in Mombasa, Kenya, and signed the Mombasa Declaration to fight illegal fishing across the world’s oceans. The declaration was adopted during the 11th Our Ocean Conference held in Mombasa, Kenya, whose theme was “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.”

What is the Mombasa Declaration?

The Mombasa Declaration is a global agreement to bring more transparency to the fishing industries. The main goal is to stop IUU fishing, which means illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Core Pillars of Mombasa Declaration

1. Ship Tracking - Countries will collect and share details about fishing boats. The declaration promotes transparency regarding vessel ownership, licensing, and fishing activities.
2. Open Information - Fishing data will be made public and easy to see. This helps people stop illegal fishing and check where fish come from.
3. Protecting the Ocean - Countries will collaborate to protect marine biodiversity and support sustainable fisheries

Mombasa Declaration - Key Facts

• Date - June 17, 2026
• Location - Mombasa, Kenya
• Event - 11th Our Ocean Conference
• Theme - Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future
• Countries Signed -16
• Region Covered - Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific
• Key Action - Regulate fishing ships; share vessel data
• Economic Loss from IUU - Up to $50 billion every year

16 countries that signed the Mombasa Declaration

A total of 16 countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Pacific region endorsed the Mombasa Declaration 2026. These countries committed to improving fisheries transparency and strengthening efforts against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 

1. Belgium
2. Cameroon
3. Chile
4. The Dominican Republic
5. France (on behalf of its overseas territories)
6. Gabon
7. Gambia
8. Ghana
9. Guinea
10. Liberia
11. Panama
12. Papua New Guinea
13. Peru
14. Republic of Congo
15. Somalia
16. South Korea

Why was the Declaration held in Mombasa, Kenya?

1. Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city and a major coastal port city.
2. The Our Ocean Conference 11 action summit was held here in 2026.
3. Kenya’s capital is Nairobi, which is also the global headquarters of UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), established on 5th June, 1972.