PROTECTING OUR FISHERIES FROM DISASTER of monofilament nets: a regional call for action

MCSCC Webinar

Monofilament nets are widely prohibited for fishing in SADC countries due to their destructive ecological and socio-economic impacts. Made of clear nylon, these nets are nearly invisible underwater. They are non-selective, non-biodegradable and, as the material tears easily, they are often discarded after only a few uses, creating large amounts of plastic pollution.

Yet, despite national measures to ban these gears, the use and distribution of monofilament nets continue to grow across the SADC region, in both marine and inland fisheries.

The Operational Task Force of the Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) has identified monofilament nets as a priority issue requiring urgent regional attention and has recommended to table the issue at the upcoming SADC Ministers, which will take place in the week of 25 May 2026.  

The MCSCC invites you to an online event aimed at raising awareness on the threat of monofilament nets for our fisheries. This event, organised ahead of the SADC Fisheries Ministers’ meeting, will share national as well as regional perspectives on the situation and impacts of monofilament nets in the SADC, and explore practical and policy solutions to address what is rapidly becoming one of the most significant illegal fishing challenges in our region.

Programme:

• Welcome 
• Setting the scene: the threat of monofilament nets for our fisheries and why we need to act
• National perspectives on monofilament nets in the SADC
• From a national issue to regional action: what can the region do to stop this escalating threat to our fisheries
• Discussions with participants

This event is open to all stakeholders from the region and beyond, with an interest in sharing their perspectives, experiences and recommendations.

Interpretation in French, English and Portuguese will be available.