Africa’s small-scale fisheries critical to food security

Fisheries management employs activities that protect fishery resources so sustainable exploitation is possible, drawing on fisheries science and possibly including the precautionary principle. A popular approach is the ecosystem approach to fisheries management.

According to the FAO, fisheries management should be based explicitly on political objectives, ideally with transparent priorities. Political goals can also be a weak part of fisheries management, since the objectives can conflict with each other.

The integrated process of information gathering, analysis, planning, consultation, decision-making, allocation of resources and formulation and implementation, with enforcement as necessary, of regulations or rules which govern fisheries activities in order to ensure the continued productivity of the resources and the accomplishment of other fisheries objectives.

Africa's small-scale fisheries play a critical role in global food security and must be supported with greater research and investment, say international and African experts.

Fish accounts for more than one-fifth of the protein intake of African south of the Sahara and provides a livelihood to millions of people.

It is critical that we stabilise and rebuild these fisheries to ensure both food security and the future of the blue economy. The time to act is now.

We need to highlight clear and innovative actions to effect lasting transformation of the blue economy in Africa.

All nations and international institutions to ought to recognise the value and economic impact of small-scale fisheries in Africa.

Increasing investment to allow fishing communities to be more involved in the co-management of fisheries; and

Directly engaging with fishing communities to collect and share relevant data regarding the state and economic value of small-scale coastal fisheries.

The first Murdoch Commission, "Western Australia and the evolving regional order: challenges and opportunities" published its final report in November 2013 and the second Murdoch Commission, "Food security, trade and partnerships: Towards resilient regional food systems in Asia" released its report in December 2015.

Murdoch's Third Commission commenced in June of 2018 and is focused on six themes firmly rooted in the agenda for action identified by the Africa Progress Panel (APP) as being in need of more significant research attention, bolder policy innovation, faster implementation on the ground, enhanced political leadership and the conceptualisation and roll out of innovative research solutions.

These themes are: Promoting Equity in the Extractive Industries: Managing the Extractives Industry in a more equitable, transformative and sustainable;

Boosting the Blue Economy: Better Monitoring, Governing and Harnessing of the Blue Economy;

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production: Enhancing Sustainable Farming and Food Production and Nutritional Security;

Increasing Power and Light: Creating greater and more innovative access to Modern Energy (Electricity and Light) Fast; and Cross-cutting themes of Women & Youth and Climate Change.

An overarching focus of the Third Commission is identifying small scale policy interventions that have potential to make big impacts. Additionally, it seeks to enhance Murdoch University's links with Africa in areas of the university's comparative advantage, including research and innovation expertise, strategic interest and networking capabilities within Australia, in Africa and globally.