Wildlife Crimes

Illegal fishing involves unauthorised fishing activities that violate national laws or international agreements. Such offences include fishing without proper licences, targeting protected species, using prohibited or destructive fishing gear, and operating within marine protected areas or during closed seasons. Within the Caribbean region, these illegal activities can occur across diverse environments, ranging from terrestrial freshwater ecosystems to nearshore coastal waters, and extending offshore into Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and international waters.

The impacts of illegal fishing are substantial, intersecting all five core values of the CAR-WEN Working Group. Biodiversity conservation suffers as critical marine species—such as lobster, parrotfish, and reef fish—are depleted, disrupting marine food webs and destabilising coral reef ecosystems. Animal welfare is compromised through destructive fishing methods that inflict injury or prolonged suffering on marine life. Weak maritime enforcement undermines the rule of law, complicating governance and accountability. Human well-being is negatively impacted as declining fish populations threaten the livelihoods of local fishing communities. Additionally, public health risks increase due to unregulated seafood entering markets without proper inspection or quality control.

While recognised globally as a significant environmental crime, effectively combating illegal fishing in the Caribbean demands continued region-specific research, improved cross-border collaboration, and strengthened enforcement cooperation tailored to local ecological, cultural, and economic contexts.