The WIOMSA Scientific Symposium is the largest open scientific conference in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, focusing on vital marine and coastal issues. This triennial event provides a unique platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders. The 13th WIOMSA Symposium is an endorsed UN Ocean Decade Activity.
Blue Food Futures at WIOMSA
An Ocean of Food: The Science We Need for Sustainable Blue Food Futures (SS026)
October 2nd | 14:00-17:30 EAT | Press Room 1 and online for virtual conference registrants
In the global quest for sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems, blue foods—foods
derived from aquatic ecosystems—remain underrepresented in mainstream food system
discussions. This special session convened United Nations Decade of Ocean Science actions
to address Decade Challenge 3: Sustainably nourish the global population, highlighting the
essential role of blue foods in achieving food security, nutritional well-being, and climate
resilience. Through evidence-based presentations and interactive dialogue, the session
connected ocean and food systems agendas by showcasing how blue foods contribute to
sustainability, equity, and livelihoods across diverse geographies, including the Western Indian
Ocean (WIO) region. Participants explored key knowledge, capacity, and implementation gaps,
and learned from a range of Decade Actions focused on fisheries, aquaculture, and innovative
ocean-based food solutions. The session also advanced the Blue Food Community of
Practice by fostering new partnerships and promoting inclusive participation—particularly by
Early Career Ocean Professionals from the WIO. By bridging knowledge and practice, the session
elevated blue foods in global food policy discourse and catalyzed action toward more
integrated, ocean-inclusive food systems.
Specifically, the session identified some of the following pathways for science-policy action:
- Advancing inclusive and equitable governance by embedding gender, youth, and social equity into blue food policies and investment frameworks to ensure fair participation and leadership opportunities.
- Expanding evidence-based nutrition strategies through better aquatic food data systems and region-specific nutrient databases to inform health and food security policies across Africa.
- Scaling sustainable aquaculture models such as Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) to boost productivity, minimize waste, and build climate-resilient coastal livelihoods.
- Strengthening community engagement and capacity building by co-designing solutions with small-scale fishers and seaweed farmers, linking science directly to local economic empowerment.
- Fostering cross-sector partnerships and policy innovation by connecting researchers, industry leaders, and Early Career Ocean Professionals to drive coordinated regional action on blue food sustainability.
Watch a recording of the keynote from Jim Leape (Blue Food Futures Program and Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions)