Illegal fishing captures up to 15% of global marine wild catch, analysis finds

Illegal fishing accounts for up to 15% of the world’s marine wild catch, according to a new analysis led by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The findings highlight the persistent challenges in combating industrial-scale illegal fishing despite advancements in surveillance technologies and regulatory efforts over several decades. The study, titled “Casting light on the workings of illegal fishing markets,” was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and provides a detailed examination of how illegal fishing operates globally, where it is concentrated, and why it continues to thrive. According to the research, industrial-scale illegal and unreported fishing contributes between 8% and 15% of all global marine wild capture. This activity supports an illicit seafood trade valued between $6.2 billion and $12.2 billion annually. While illegal fishing occurs across all regions, its impact is most severe in areas with weaker enforcement capacities. Approximately two-thirds of the illicit trade by value originates in West Africa, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, regions where fisheries play a crucial role in food security and employment. However, much of the illegally caught seafood ends up being sold in wealthier markets in North America, Europe, and East Asia, underscoring deep global inequalities in both the burden and benefit of illegal fishing. Dr. Philippe Le Billon, lead author of the study and a professor at UBC’s Department of Geography and School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, emphasized that illegal fishing is not an isolated issue but a systemic component of the global seafood economy. He noted that the practice is driven by weak governance, harmful subsidies, opaque corporate structures, and complex international supply chains. “Illegal fishing remains profitable because the risks are low and the rewards are high,” he explained. “Even as detection improves, enforcement and accountability lag behind, particularly for large industrial fleets operating far from public scrutiny.” The research underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to address the root causes of illegal fishing rather than focusing solely on enforcement. Dr. Rashid Sumaila, co-author of the study and a professor at UBC’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, stressed that effective solutions require coordinated actions across multiple levels. Key measures include eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies, implementing electronic vessel identification systems, enhancing port state controls, increasing transparency regarding beneficial ownership, and fostering stronger international cooperation. Additionally, protecting small-scale and Indigenous fisheries, promoting community-based management, and aligning economic incentives with sustainable practices are critical components of a broader strategy. Despite the scale of the challenge, the study points to several encouraging developments. In 2025, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ratified the Fish 1 agreement aimed at removing harmful fisheries subsidies. A follow-up initiative, Fish 2, is currently being negotiated, though it faces opposition from countries including India, Indonesia, and the United States. Meanwhile, the High Seas Treaty came into effect on January 17, 2026, marking a significant step toward regulating activities in international waters. Another notable development is China’s recent accession to the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA), which aims to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by strengthening control at ports. The persistence of illegal fishing is further supported by sophisticated methods used to launder illicit seafood into legal markets. These include at-sea transshipment, fraudulent documentation, species mislabeling, and blending illegal catches with legal ones. Such tactics enable the movement of illegal seafood through processing facilities and distribution networks, making it difficult to trace and regulate effectively. As a result, even when illegal fishing is detected, the seafood often reaches consumers without clear identification of its origin or legality. Efforts to combat illegal fishing will require sustained pressure from individuals and civil society to ensure that governments and corporations take meaningful action. According to Sumaila, turning current policy initiatives into tangible results on the ground depends on continuous advocacy and collaboration among stakeholders. The study highlights that while progress is possible, achieving lasting change demands addressing the structural factors that perpetuate illegal fishing and ensuring equitable outcomes for all affected communities.