At the "Our Ocean" Conference in 2026, African leaders committed to expanding coastal exclusion zones and establishing artisanal management zones to protect marine ecosystems and prioritize the livelihoods of artisanal fishers. Efforts in Ghana and West Africa have cracked down on illegal industrial trawling, with the "Transform Bottom Trawling" coalition campaigning against destructive fishing practices. The focus is on excluding industrial fishing, empowering local fishing councils, and promoting community-based marine conservation efforts to address overfishing and prioritize the interests of coastal communities. Calls for more sustainable management solutions like Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) are emphasized to increase artisanal catches and support food security, with a focus on reducing the crisis caused by bottom trawling in the oceans.
Author: Blueventures
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Inclusive fisheries leadership on Mafia Island
In Gonge village on Mafia Island, Tanzania, women have secured nearly half of all leadership positions in the newly established Beach Management Unit (BMU), marking a significant shift in fisheries governance. The BMU gives communities a formal role in managing and protecting marine resources they depend on. Through awareness-building, training, and dialogue, women in Gonge were empowered to participate in leadership and decision-making roles. This inclusive approach has led to women holding 47.6% of leadership positions within the BMU, setting a powerful example of gender inclusion in fisheries governance. The process involved breaking down cultural barriers, providing practical skills, and ongoing support for new leaders. The shift towards more inclusive leadership in coastal communities in Tanzania was driven by local priorities and aspirations, rather than external requirements, with support from organizations like WATONET, Blue Ventures, and the Mafia District Council providing technical expertise and guidance. This approach highlights the importance of incorporating diverse voices and perspectives in decisions that impact the future of coastal communities in the Western Indian Ocean region.
https://blueventures.org/inclusive-fisheries-leadership-on-mafia-island/
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Marine conservation must begin on land
Secure coastal land rights are essential for sustainable ocean governance, as shown by examples from Fiji, Madagascar, and South Africa. Meaningful consultation with local communities is crucial for sustainable conservation efforts. Governments can pass and implement environmental impact assessment regulations that ensure community participation and access to information. The solution lies in recognizing and respecting secure tenure as the foundation of community-based management. Blue Ventures supports communities in advocating for their land rights and embedding tenure safeguards into policies related to development and marine conservation. Marine conservation begins on land, with communities that have secure land rights.
https://blueventures.org/marine-conservation-must-begin-on-land/
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Landmark philanthropic support for coastal communities and small-scale fishers
Blue Ventures has received a significant donation of USD 62 million from MacKenzie Scott to support small-scale fishers and coastal communities in the tropics. The funding will help strengthen locally led efforts to protect marine ecosystems, sustain livelihoods, and build resilience in the face of climate and ocean crises. The gift recognizes the leadership of coastal communities and aims to scale effective community-led initiatives to address environmental and economic pressures. Blue Ventures will use the funding to implement their 2030 Strategy, focusing on community leadership and supporting frontline partners to drive their own priorities for conservation and stewardship of marine resources. The organization emphasizes the importance of community-led conservation in protecting coastal seas and ensuring equity in climate solutions. Blue Ventures will lead fisheries management, marine conservation, and improve food security for 5 million people, bringing 200,000 km2 of carbon-rich seas under local stewardship and supporting communities with skills, data, and advocacy. Working with partners and councils, the organization will prioritize funding for local solutions to address the climate crisis, enabling communities to adapt and scale effective approaches for healthy oceans and sustainable livelihoods.
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Securing rights: Why Tara Bandu matters for fisheries, food and livelihoods
Customary systems, like Tara Bandu in Timor-Leste, are key to thriving coastal communities as they empower local fishers to become stewards of their own future. By revitalizing traditional governance with modern science, communities are seeing recovering fish stocks, healthier reefs, and improved income stability. Secure rights, recognized by the national government, give communities confidence to protect their resources, leading to stronger food security and sustainable fisheries management. This blend of traditional and modern approaches demonstrates how conservation and culture can reinforce each other, creating a pathway towards resilience and prosperity for coastal communities. Recognizing and supporting systems like Tara Bandu is key to ensuring prosperity and sustainable management of marine resources in coastal communities.
https://blueventures.org/securing-rights-why-tara-bandu-matters-for-fisheries-food-and-livelihoods/