Protecting our fisheries

As the role of the blue economy has gained prominence over the last few years our relationship with the ocean and our inland waterways has come under a new spotlight. We have long known that fisheries are important in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region: they provide food and nutrition, generate employment and income, and provide livelihoods for millions of our people. But for many, fishing is more than an occupation: their lives depend on successful catches. Fishing is how our children are fed and education and medical bills are paid. Protecting this must be a priority.