Tanzania Backs Aquatic Foods at UN Ocean Conference

Fishermen gliding on a canoe off the coast of Dar es Salaam. Photo by Kizito Makoye

With fewer than six harvest seasons left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the urgency to find transformative solutions to end hunger, protect the oceans, and build climate resilience dominated the ninth panel session at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

In a moment symbolizing Africa's growing leadership in ocean sustainability, Tanzania took center stage during the panel, “Promoting the Role of Sustainable Food from the Ocean for Poverty Eradication and Food Security.” The session provided a scientific and policy-rich exchange of ideas, highlighting how Tanzania is positioning aquatic foods as drivers of economic recovery, public health, and ecological sustainability.

A Defining Voice From the Swahili Coast

Shaaban Ali Othman, Minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries of Zanzibar, co-chaired the session and outlined Tanzania’s strategy for using ocean resources without harming marine ecosystems.

“Our survival is intimately tied to the ocean. It feeds us, employs our people, and holds the promise to lift millions out of poverty,” Othman said, urging responsible management of aquatic food systems.

He stressed that for Tanzania, the blue economy is integral to national development. With climate change disrupting traditional farming, aquatic foods provide a nutrient-dense alternative for the growing population.

Communities in Zanzibar and coastal Tanzania have fished for generations. Now, the country aims to ensure these practices become more sustainable and inclusive. Othman cited Zanzibar’s expansion of seaweed farming—especially among women—as a win for both nutrition and gender equity. He also noted investments in cold storage and fish processing to reduce post-harvest losses, among the region’s highest.

Science Supports Tanzania’s Model

Jörn Schmidt, Science Director for Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems at WorldFish, emphasized the untapped potential of aquatic foods. “They’re one of the few tools that can address poverty, hunger, and climate risk simultaneously,” he said.

Schmidt called for urgent improvements in nutrition, production, and equity. He cited evidence that small increases in aquatic food consumption in early childhood can reduce stunting. For production, he recommended low-impact systems like seaweed and bivalves. On equity, he advocated for better access for women and small-scale fishers.

In 2023, global fish production reached 189 million tons—21 kilograms per person. Yet, nearly 15% (23.8 million tons) was lost to poor handling and distribution. “These aren’t just lost meals—they’re lost opportunities,” said Manuel Barange, another panelist.

Equity and Innovation

Minister Othman emphasized empowering women and youth across Tanzania’s coastal areas, from Kigamboni to Kilwa. Women drying fish and farming seaweed need better technology, access to finance, and inclusion in decision-making, he said.

Tanzania has launched aquatic food training centers to equip youth with skills in climate-smart aquaculture and sustainable pond farming.

“This is how we move from potential to prosperity,” Othman stated.

A Blueprint for Broader Change

Other speakers highlighted aquatic food systems’ role in national development. Rhea Moss-Christian, Executive Director of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, noted that in some Pacific nations, tuna revenues fund schools and hospitals.

UNIDO’s Ciyong Zou highlighted post-harvest losses of up to 30% in developing countries. He announced UNIDO's commitment to support 10 more coastal nations by 2030.

Dr. Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted of CGIAR called seaweed a sustainable superfood and urged more investment, especially in regions like South Asia and Africa.

“Tanzania is well-positioned to lead this movement,” she said.

Closing Reflections

Othman closed the session by calling aquatic foods a matter of dignity and survival, not just diet. “We must democratize access to data, empower communities, and ensure that women and small-scale fishers are not left behind,” he said.

On Kisiwa Panza Island in Pemba, the impact is already visible. A women-led seaweed cooperative now exports to Europe, transforming local lives.

“In 2030, we’ll be asked what we did with these six remaining harvests,” Othman concluded. “Let’s make sure we can say we used them to feed people, protect our planet, and leave no one behind.” - UN News