Story perspectives

Kenya, US Ban Illegal-Fishing Visas, Pledge $96 MKenya, US Ban Illegal-Fishing Visas, Pledge $96 M

6/25/2026

Summary

Kenya, US Pledge

Kenya and United States imposed visa bans on illegal-fishing nationals and pledged $96 million for maritime security at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, June 16-18 2026.
The package totals KSh12.4 billion, with KSh6.7 billion for anti-IUU actions.
Sixteen governments—including Ghana, France, Belgium, Chile and South Korea—signed the Mombasa Declaration, which Ghana’s Fisheries Minister Emelia Arthur said secures 60 % of protein from fish while France’s Sea and Fishery Minister Catherine Chabaud called a commitment to governance.

Summary

Taiwan Withdraws

After Kenya removed the “Taiwan” visa option in April, causing two delegates to be denied entry and detained over 20 hours, Taiwan withdrew from 2026 Our Ocean Conference.
Taiwan blamed Beijing’s pressure, which forced states to cancel overflight permits for Lai Ching-te’s April 22 Eswatini visit.
The U.S. House Select Committee on China condemned China’s influence over Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar on April 21.
Analyst Samir Bhattacharya warned that China-Africa projects deepen Taiwan’s exclusion.

Summary

Marine Institute Awards

The Marine Conservation Institute gave its Blue Park Awards to six MPAs—Banc-des-Américains (Canada), Rapa Nui (Chile), Kawawana (Senegal) and three Madagascar sites.
Director Landisoa Randimbison says Nosy Tanihely in Madagascar funds itself through tourist fees.
At OOC11 Oceana ambassador Kate Walsh highlighted women’s leadership, citing Rapa Nui’s MPA—covering Easter Island’s whole EEZ and jointly run by Indigenous groups and Chile—and featuring Kenya’s “Mama Mikoko” and Raabia Hawa as ocean stewards.

History

Historical Context

After the Port State Measures Agreement was concluded in November 2009 and entered into force on 5 June 2016, it has been ratified by 111 states covering about 96 % of global shipping tonnage. Building on that framework, Kenya and the United States imposed visa bans and pledged $96 million for maritime security in 2024, while Ghana and France joined the Mombasa Declaration to expand marine protected areas.

1 of 4

Kenya, US Pledge

Kenya and United States imposed visa bans on illegal-fishing nationals and pledged $96 million for maritime security at the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, June 16-18 2026.
The package totals KSh12.4 billion, with KSh6.7 billion for anti-IUU actions.
Sixteen governments—including Ghana, France, Belgium, Chile and South Korea—signed the Mombasa Declaration, which Ghana’s Fisheries Minister Emelia Arthur said secures 60 % of protein from fish while France’s Sea and Fishery Minister Catherine Chabaud called a commitment to governance.

1 / 4