DAR ES SALAAM: FISHERIES ministers from across the South West Indian Ocean region gathered in Dar es Salaam this week to address pressing challenges facing the region’s marine ecosystems.
The extraordinary session, hosted by the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC), aimed to strengthen collaboration and promote sustainable fisheries management.
The meeting was preceded by the 8th meeting of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Ministers Responsible for Oceans, Inland Waters, and Fisheries, which took place also in Dar es Salaam in September.
The extraordinary session saw the launch of the regional TransFORM SWIOFISH 5 project on Tuesday.
This initiative is designed to bolster fisheries governance, improve management practices, and enhance the sustainability of fisheries resources.
The TransFORM SWIOFISH 5 project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), is a key initiative aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, building climate resilience, and enhancing capacity-building for SWIOFC member states.
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Speaking at the event, the Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Abdallah Ulega called for heightened regional cooperation in tackling issues such as overfishing, climate change, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“We must ensure that our fisheries are managed sustainably and equitably so that the future generation can continue to benefit from the wealth of the ocean. Our action today will determine the role and prosperity of our marine ecosystem for the decades to come,” he said.
He said member states could learn from countries like the Maldives and Seychelles, which have made significant strides in improving sustainable fisheries management.
He underscored the importance of collaboration, datadriven decision-making, and respect for diverse cultural, economic, and governance systems within the region.
Sustained dialogue and collective action are essential to strengthen fisheries management frameworks and protect invaluable fisheries resources, he said. He expressed optimism that the SWIOFISH 5 project would build upon the successes of its predecessor and contribute to the long-term health of the region’s marine ecosystems.
