Growing up, I aspired to work as a marine conservationist. My first role in Mombasa—waiting under baobab trees to measure fishers’ catch—revealed that the ocean’s true essence lies beyond its depths. Along Kenya’s coastline, I witnessed how intertwined people’s lives are with the sea.
The ocean dictates daily rhythms, livelihoods, culture, and intergenerational bonds. For millions across Africa, it is not an abstract concern but a literal lifeline. This June, Kenya will host the 11th Our Ocean Conference—the first on African soil—a pivotal moment to reshape global ocean perceptions. While leaders often prioritize energy or economics, Africa’s oceanic challenges demand equal attention.
Healthy oceans are vital to food security, public health, and economic resilience in Africa. Fish, often unrecognized, are a cornerstone of African diets, providing over half of animal protein in some regions. They also supply critical nutrients for vulnerable groups like women and children.
Most of this fish stems from artisanal fishers, traders, and processors who sustain millions of households and local economies through coastal markets.
Yet fish and their suppliers remain sidelined in global discussions on food security and trade. Losing access to local fish worsens nutrition and displaces traditional diets with cheaper imports.
Overfishing, pollution, and climate change are destabilizing marine ecosystems. Coastal communities report increasing risks and declining fish availability.
This crisis isn’t driven by artisanal fishers.
Foreign-owned industrial fleets harvest vast quantities with minimal transparency, often exporting catches abroad or converting them to animal feed. This undermines coastal communities’ future.
A fair blue economy cannot exist if coastal populations cannot afford their own fish.
At the Mombasa conference, African nations must prioritize food security, equity, and livelihoods in ocean policies.
Achieving this requires partnerships. Governments should collaborate directly with artisanal fishers, whose expertise is critical to managing fisheries. These communities must shape—not be overlooked in—ocean decisions.
Expanding inshore exclusion zones—coastal areas banning industrial fishing—can boost artisanal catches and restore fish stocks.
Enhanced transparency and enforcement are essential. Governments must monitor industrial fleets, clarify ownership, and improve data access and compliance to protect marine resources.
The ocean can recover. With proper care, fish populations, ecosystems, and livelihoods can be restored.
Historically, ocean conservation and human needs were seen as conflicting. Protecting the ocean actually strengthens food security and livelihoods.
Mombasa’s conference should mark a shift—African leadership must build an ocean economy that safeguards both marine life and communities. As Ngugi, Mbembe, and Achebe might argue, it’s time for the world’s narratives to center African voices.
Dr. Christina Chemtai Hicks, a social scientist and marine conservationist, is a Lancaster University professor and Oceana board member.
Editorial note: The Our Ocean Conference unites governments, NGOs, and industries to address ocean challenges like climate change and pollution.