Infographic/AEN
By PATRICK MAYOYO
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will launch its flagship report on The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture on 16 June during the Our Ocean Conference, hosted by the Government of Kenya in Mombasa.
The official press conference on the SOFIA launch is scheduled to take place at 1pm EAT (10am GMT) online. Journalists can follow the press conference via Zoom here and ask questions remotely.
This year’s edition presents tangible progress in implementing the FAO’s Blue Transformation roadmap highlighting how countries are advancing fisheries and aquaculture through innovation, science, responsible management and community engagement.
Published every two years since 1994, SOFIA provides the most up-to-date information on trends, challenges, opportunities and innovations from the sector and offers a global perspective on the role of aquatic food systems in food security, nutrition, livelihoods and sustainable development.
The report serves as a key reference for governments, policymakers, practitioners, academics, and development partners.
FAO said in a statement that SOFIA 2026 will be presented at the press conference by Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General and Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, Food and Agriculture Organizations of the UN. Other remarks will be made by Ms Betsy Njiagi, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Mining, Blue economy and Maritime Affairs among others.
This marks the first time the globally influential event will be held on African soil, placing the spotlight on Africa’s oceans, coastal communities, and rich marine biodiversity.
Guided by the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future”, the Mombasa conference will explore the pivotal role oceans play in shaping culture, livelihoods, and sustainable economic development. The event will bring together governments, businesses, innovators, and local communities to transform global ocean dialogue into concrete action, with a focus on jobs, equity, and healthy seas.
Key objectives for the 2026 conference include: mobilising private sector investment in the sustainable blue economy, empowering and elevating young ocean leaders, catalysing innovative ocean finance mechanisms, combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and advancing marine conservation and restoration to achieve climate and 30×30 targets.
Kenya’s selection as host reflects its growing role as a hub for ocean research, technological innovation, and community-led ocean management. Officials hope the event will shape the global ocean agenda for the coming decade, at a critical moment in the so-called “critical decade” for ocean action.
The 10th Our Ocean Conference , held in Busan, South Korea, adopted the theme “Our Ocean, Our Action”, promoting tangible steps towards ocean sustainability. A highlight of that conference was the introduction of Digital Oceans, a concept merging ocean industries with digital technology to accelerate sustainable ocean management. The Busan event laid the groundwork for innovation and global collaboration that the Mombasa conference will now build upon.
As Kenya prepares to welcome delegates from around the world, organisers emphasise that the 11th Our Ocean Conference represents a unique opportunity to safeguard shared marine heritage and secure a thriving ocean for future generations.
