According to Max Bankole Jarrett of the Africa Progress Panel, illegal fishing is responsible for a loss of 1, 3 billion dollars each year in West Africa.
Fishing is a source of employment, nutrition and revenue for millions of African citizen. Unfortunately, the rich African coastal waters have been plundered for years by foreign fleet, usually practicing illegal fishing. According to Kofi Annan, president of the Africa Progress Panel, “looting of natural resources is no different from organised robbery” and the social and economic cost are considerable.