Regulating IUU Fishing in Nigeria

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing have led to the dwindling fish stocks in Nigeria. It is a threat to the environmental, economic, and food security of the country. The dwindling fish stocks has further forced artisanal fishers to find additional or alternate sources of income to sustain their livelihoods. The research examined the connection between IUU fishing in Nigeria and its impact or non-impact on economic development. As a corollary, the thesis further considered whether effective implementation can play a role in harnessing the potentials of fisheries in Nigeria. The research also highlighted the various measures available to deter IUU fishers as well as mitigate the impact of IUU fishing in Nigeria; in addition, the research recommended stricter penalties for IUU fishing with other technical support and the strengthening of regional information sharing as a roadmap towards eliminating IUU fishing in Nigeria. The work thoroughly investigated the formulated research questions by using the various sources of international law which are listed in Art. 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice; International conventions, etc.