The global ocean conservation network Oceana has urged authorities to center coastal populations and small-scale fishing communities in ocean policy deliberations as Kenya gets ready to host the 11th Our Ocean Conference later this month.
Scheduled for June 16-18 in Mombasa, this will mark the inaugural occurrence of the global summit on African soil.
Since its inception in 2014, the conference has facilitated more than 2,900 pledges worth approximately $169 billion to promote ocean preservation and responsible utilization of marine resources.
In anticipation of the gathering, Oceana emphasized that governments should enhance safeguards for vital marine environments, improve openness in global fishing practices, and ensure coastal residents have greater influence in matters concerning oceans and fisheries.
Betsy Njagi, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department of the Blue Economy and Fisheries, highlighted that the conference offers a crucial chance for Africa to progress ocean governance and conservation initiatives.
“For millions throughout Africa, the sea provides essential food sources, livelihoods, economic prospects, and climate adaptation capabilities. However, marine environments face mounting threats. With the conference convening in Africa for the first time, it represents a significant achievement for ocean governance, marine conservation, and the sustainable maritime economy. It also serves as an opportunity to reinforce international cooperation and intensify efforts to preserve the ocean for future generations,” stated Njagi.
The summit occurs amid increasing apprehension regarding the condition of marine ecosystems across Africa. Ocean resources sustain millions through food production, employment, and commerce, yet environmental organizations caution that excessive fishing, contamination, and climate change are intensifying strain on coastal regions.
As part of conference proceedings, internationally recognized actress and marine advocate Kate Walsh will join Oceana’s delegation in Mombasa.
She plans to engage with local fishers and community representatives to address the importance of healthy seas and sustainable fishing in supporting livelihoods and food security.
“I’m privileged to connect with local fishers here in Kenya and directly hear from those whose existence and livelihoods rely on healthy oceans,” expressed Walsh.
“Their perspectives must be incorporated as leaders make decisions that will determine the future of our oceans.”
Oceana stressed that active participation of local fishing communities is vital in developing policies affecting coastal livelihoods. The organization contends that individuals directly dependent on marine resources should play a meaningful role in discussions about conservation and fishing management.
Dr. Christina Chemtai Hicks, a Kenyan-British academic at Lancaster University, Pew Marine Fellow, and Oceana Board Member, indicated that coastal communities throughout Africa are confronting growing economic and environmental difficulties associated with diminishing fish stocks and climate variations.
“Through my research expeditions over the years, I observe consistent patterns from one coastline to the next: marine ecosystems are experiencing greater stressors, fishing activities are becoming more hazardous, and fish are becoming rarer and more costly,” explained Hicks.
“Across African coastlines and globally, fishing communities face depleted fish populations, escalating costs, and climate consequences. This conference presents an opportunity for leaders to advance ocean policies that simultaneously protect food security, livelihoods, and marine ecosystems.”
The organization also voiced concerns about industrial fishing operations in African waters, including activities by foreign-owned fleets. According to Oceana, uncertainties persist regarding transparency, accountability, and fair access to marine resources.
The organization noted that a substantial portion of fish harvested in African waters is exported to wealthier countries, reducing availability for local communities that rely on seafood for nutrition and income.
Oceana is championing improved monitoring of fishing activities, increased transparency in vessel ownership, public accessibility to fisheries information, and stricter enforcement of current regulations. The organization suggests such actions can help address illegal and harmful fishing practices while supporting initiatives to restore fish populations.
The summit coincides with Oceana’s expansion across the continent. Earlier in the year, the organization established a new office in Ghana, which it says will bolster initiatives to safeguard marine ecosystems, revive local fisheries, and support coastal communities throughout Africa.
Sonia Kwami, Oceana’s Vice President in Ghana, stated that African nations have the chance to pursue practical solutions that balance conservation with economic requirements.
“Oceans represent a critical source of sustenance, employment, and economic stability for millions of people across Africa,” remarked Kwami.
“As leaders assemble in Kenya, there exists a genuine opportunity to develop practical solutions that protect marine ecosystems, restore fish populations, and ensure coastal communities and small-scale fishers can continue to prosper. After all, local fishers should have preferential access to fish in their own waters.”
The upcoming conference is anticipated to address key themes, including ocean conservation, sustainable fishing, climate resilience, and the expansion of the blue economy.
For Africa, hosting the event for the first time is considered a notable achievement that could help elevate the continent’s influence in worldwide dialogues about the future of the world’s oceans and the communities that rely on them.