São Tomé and Príncipe Approves 2nd FiTI Report, 1st based on new Fisheries Information System (FIS)

FiTI Report Sao Tome and Principe

São Tomé and Príncipe Approves 2nd FiTI Report, 1st based on new Fisheries Information System (FIS)

By Sara Lopes

São Tomé and Príncipe’s National Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) has approved the country’s second FiTI Report, marking an important milestone in strengthening fisheries governance in the Small Island Developing State.

For the first time, the report was assessed based on information published through the Fisheries Information System (FIS) — the national digital platform that centralises official data on fisheries management and makes it publicly accessible.

Using the FIS as the primary analytical source represents a significant step forward in transparency, enabling National MSG members to systematically review publicly available information on licences, fisheries agreements, revenues, legal frameworks and other key governance elements.

Review of Recommendations and Recorded Progress

During their recent meeting, members of the National MSG assessed the 27 recommendations previously addressed to fisheries management authorities, which are aimed at closing identified gaps and promoting continuous improvements in data quality and fisheries management. Improvements were recorded in the majority of recommendations, including:

  • The implementation of the FIS, allowing online public access to fisheries management information;
  • Publication of key policy instruments such as the Fisheries Resources Management Plan;
  • Publication of the Strategic Plan for the Fisheries and Blue Economy Sector;
  • Revision and approval of key fisheries regulations by the Council of Ministers;
  • Publication of all fisheries agreements and contracts signed by the country for operations in international waters;
  • Disclosure of fishing licence fees and payments.

The National MSG members commended the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe for the progress achieved, recognising their commitment to improving transparency and governance quality.

New Recommendations to Consolidate Progress

To consolidate the gains achieved and further reduce remaining gaps, the National MSG adopted new recommendations. These recommendations aim to:

  • Strengthen consistency and regularity of updates of published data;
  • Improve institutional coordination in data production and validation;
  • Consolidate good governance practices;
  • Reinforce accountability mechanisms;
  • Promote participatory and evidence-based fisheries management.

The approval of the second FiTI Report cements the National MSG’s role as a multi-stakeholder oversight platform, demonstrating that transparency goes beyond the publication of information — it is an ongoing process of institutional improvement, coordination and accountability.

The FIS was developed by the FiTI in collaboration with its technology partner Shellcatch, and with the financial support of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

With the National MSG’s approval, publication of São Tomé and Príncipe’s second FiTI Report is now expected by the end of March 2026.