Zanzibar is hosting a major regional summit to finally tackle illegal fishing together. The Blue Voices Regional Summit aims to strengthen cooperation against pirate fishing and boost the blue economy across the South West Indian Ocean. Government reps from Mauritius, Kenya, and Tanzania will join international stakeholders for the high-level meeting.
Organized by Zanzibar's Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries with the Jahazi Project, the event promotes African-led ocean governance. The theme 'One Ocean, One Voice' reflects a shared commitment to protect marine resources and coastal livelihoods. Permanent Secretary Captain Hamad Bakar Hamad stated Zanzibar is ready to collaborate with neighbors to safeguard shared waters.
He described the summit as a strategic platform for fighting illegal fishing, which undermines economies and conservation due to weak cross-border coordination. Delegates will work on improving information sharing, modern surveillance systems, and aligned policy frameworks. Spokesperson Michael Mallya noted illegal fishing thrives on fragmented systems and poor enforcement.
The convening signals a new chapter for East African ocean governance, with regional states taking ownership of their marine resources. The summit will feature policy dialogues and technical sessions to foster innovation and sustainable investment. Strengthening regional cooperation is seen as essential because marine ecosystems and illegal networks operate across national borders.
Organized by Zanzibar's Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries with the Jahazi Project, the event promotes African-led ocean governance. The theme 'One Ocean, One Voice' reflects a shared commitment to protect marine resources and coastal livelihoods. Permanent Secretary Captain Hamad Bakar Hamad stated Zanzibar is ready to collaborate with neighbors to safeguard shared waters.
He described the summit as a strategic platform for fighting illegal fishing, which undermines economies and conservation due to weak cross-border coordination. Delegates will work on improving information sharing, modern surveillance systems, and aligned policy frameworks. Spokesperson Michael Mallya noted illegal fishing thrives on fragmented systems and poor enforcement.
The convening signals a new chapter for East African ocean governance, with regional states taking ownership of their marine resources. The summit will feature policy dialogues and technical sessions to foster innovation and sustainable investment. Strengthening regional cooperation is seen as essential because marine ecosystems and illegal networks operate across national borders.
