African Nations Announce Major Electronic Monitoring and Tuna Transparency Commitments at Our Ocean Conference

At the Our Ocean Conference hosted in Kenya, the governments of Kenya, Seychelles, Gabon, Tanzania and South Africa unveiled a set of country-led commitments to advance electronic monitoring—the use of onboard video cameras, GPS and sensors to monitor and verify fishing activities—to strengthen transparency across their fisheries. These announcements reflect growing African leadership in modernizing fisheries management and improving accountability at sea.

Countries are advancing electronic monitoring at different stages—from piloting and system development to formal national commitments—but together they signal a clear regional shift toward transparent, data-driven fisheries management. While tuna fisheries are leading the way, these efforts increasingly extend across multiple fisheries, supporting better science, stronger enforcement and more resilient coastal economies.

These commitments highlight growing momentum among coastal nations, in collaboration with industry and civil society partners, to reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and strengthen oversight of industrial fleets.

National Commitments to Advance Transparency

The Government of Seychelles is joining a growing group of governments and industry partners in signing the Tuna Transparency Pledge, committing to achieve 100% on-the-water monitoring across all industrial tuna vessels in its waters by 2027.

“Seychelles has long been a leader in sustainable tuna fisheries, and by joining the Tuna Transparency Pledge, we are reinforcing our commitment to full accountability at sea. Transparency is not only essential for conservation—it is fundamental to maintaining the integrity and competitiveness of our tuna sector.” — Dr. Jan Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Seychelles Fisheries Authority

The Government of Kenya has committed to achieving 100% monitoring of all industrial fishing vessels operating in its waters through electronic monitoring and onboard observers by 2030.

“As host of the Our Ocean Conference, Kenya is proud to lead by example. Our commitment to achieving 100% monitoring across industrial fisheries reflects our determination to build a transparent, science-based management system that protects marine resources while delivering long-term economic benefits for our people.” — Daisy Karimi Muriuki, Director General, Kenya Fisheries Service, Kenya

Gabon is advancing a comprehensive approach to fisheries transparency with plans to expand electronic monitoring across its fleets by October 2028.

Through the Gabon Blue Bonds for Ocean Conservation project (Obligations Bleues), supported by The Nature Conservancy’s Nature Bonds Program, the country is set to unlock $163 million in long-term financing over 15 years for ocean conservation and a sustainable blue economy. As part of this initiative, scaling electronic monitoring will strengthen fisheries management, deter illegal fishing and help protect marine ecosystems for future generations.

Tanzania and South Africa are progressing efforts to pilot and scale electronic monitoring systems.

“Tanzania is taking important steps to transform its fisheries sector, including piloting and scaling electronic monitoring systems. These efforts will strengthen data collection, improve compliance and lay the foundation for more sustainable and transparent fisheries management.” — Dr. Mathew Ogalo Silas, Deputy Director General, Deep Sea Fishing Authority, United Republic of Tanzania

Why Transparency in Fisheries Matters

While tuna is a key entry point, the benefits of transparency extend across all fisheries. Electronic monitoring improves data, strengthens compliance, reduces illegal fishing and protects marine ecosystems.

Together, these announcements send a strong signal from Africa: the future of fisheries management is transparent, accountable and technology-enabled.