Kenya Hosts Historic Our Ocean Conference to Address Overfishing and Food Insecurity in Africa

Kenya will host the 11th annual Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa this June, marking the first time the event is held on African soil. The gathering aims to address the intersection of marine conservation, food security, and economic equity, with a focus on the challenges faced by artisanal fishers across the continent. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), fish provide over 50% of animal protein in some African nations, yet industrial fishing fleets and environmental degradation threaten these vital resources.

What is the Our Ocean Conference?

The Our Ocean Conference is an annual global event bringing together governments, NGOs, and industry leaders to tackle ocean-related challenges. Hosted by the U.S. State Department since 2014, the 2023 edition in Kenya will emphasize Africa’s role in ocean governance. “The conference is a platform to reframe ocean conservation as a cornerstone of food security, not a separate issue,” said Dr. Christina Chemtai Hicks, a marine conservationist and professor at Lancaster University.

How Does Overfishing Impact African Communities?

Artisanal fishers, who supply 80% of fish in West Africa, face growing competition from industrial fleets, many of which are foreign-owned. A 2022 report by the Environmental Justice Foundation found that industrial fishing in West African waters exceeds sustainable limits by 30%, with much of the catch exported as feed or processed for wealthier markets. “Taking our fish is taking our future,” Hicks warned, highlighting how declining local fish stocks force communities to rely on imported, nutrient-poor foods.

What Solutions Are Being Proposed?

African nations are advocating for stronger inshore exclusion zones to protect artisanal fisheries, a measure shown to increase local catches by up to 40% in pilot programs. The African Union’s 2022 Ocean Policy also calls for improved monitoring of industrial fleets and greater transparency in fisheries data. “Partnership with local fishers is critical,” said Hicks, citing successful community-led management projects in Kenya’s Lamu Archipelago.

Why Does This Matter for Global Food Security?

Declining fish populations could lead to widespread nutrient deficiencies, particularly for women and children. A 2021 study in *Nature Communications* estimated that 10% of the global population may face deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids by 2050 if current trends continue. “Healthy oceans are inseparable from healthy people,” said Dr. Maimuna Majumder, a public health expert at the World Health Organization.

What Happens Next?

The Mombasa conference will seek commitments from governments and corporations to strengthen fisheries management and invest in sustainable aquaculture. While past conferences have faced criticism for lacking enforceable targets, this year’s focus on African leadership may shift the narrative. “It’s time for the world’s stories to be told from Africa,” Hicks said, referencing the continent’s 54 coastal nations, which support 40 million people through fishing.