TMT presents to Norway's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence
On 15 October, Trygg Mat Tracking (TMT) participated in an open hearing of the Norwegian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence as part of its consideration of Norway’s proposed State Budget for 2027.
TMT Executive Director Gareth Johnstone presented the organisation’s submission on the importance of maintaining Norway’s long-term investment in tackling illegal fishing and fisheries crime, and strengthening fisheries capacity and regional cooperation in Africa.
Norway has supported improved fisheries governance in Africa for decades, drawing on its own experience as a major fishing and coastal nation. In West Africa, this investment has helped countries strengthen fisheries controls, make better use of vessel information and risk analysis, share information and work together across national borders.
Regional cooperation is particularly important because fish stocks, fishing vessels and fisheries crime do not stop at national borders. Many important fish stocks are shared between countries, while vessels can operate across multiple jurisdictions. Effective cooperation allows authorities to share information, assess risks and act together.
TMT’s submission calls for Norway to continue and strengthen its long-term efforts against illegal fishing and associated fisheries crime in 2027, with a clear focus on building African capacity and supporting regional cooperation.
This would help consolidate the results of Norway’s long-term investment while strengthening the ability of African fisheries authorities and regional institutions to sustainably manage and protect shared fisheries resources.
