Operation Albacore
An ongoing partnership to stop illegal fishing in Gabon, West Africa
Operation Albacore VI
A successful partnership to protect Africa's Eden.
In 2016, Sea Shepherd partnered with the government of Gabon to stop illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in their coastal waters. São Tomé and Principe soon joined the campaign, resulting in the arrest of five ships operating illegally in the Gulf of Guinea. Sea Shepherd continued the campaign protecting their coastal waters in 2017, 2018, 2019 and in 2020 with the arrest of two trawlers with over a ton of rays and fins in their hold. In 2021, Sea Shepherd is back to resume patrols with Gabonese authorities of Africa's largest marine protected area.
Commentary
Why Gabon Ended Its Fisheries Agreement with the European Union
June 29, 2026 - Gabon has ended its fisheries agreement with the European Union to keep more of the economic value from its tuna industry at home, following the same value-added strategy that has strengthened African industries such as diamonds, cocoa, oil and timber. Commentary by Sea Shepherd Global's Director of Campaigns, Peter Hammarstedt.