The Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, has made a strong case for Atlantic African countries to invest in science and technology to foster growth in the industry.
Speaking at a high-level forum hosted by Morocco, and attended by ministers, experts, and stakeholders, Minister Emelia Arthur advocated for stronger partnerships, and the prioritization of maritime governance at the highest political levels to protect the future.
“Together, we can unlock the Atlantic’s full potential—not just for our nations, but for the benefit of humanity,” she said. “Let us be the generation that preserves its richness for those who come after us,” she said.
While expressing gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for Morocco’s leadership in organizing the event and promoting regional cooperation, she talked about the vast potential and challenges facing the Atlantic’s shared waters.
“Our Atlantic domain presents both immense opportunities and tremendous challenges,” she said. “We must work together, across borders and sectors, to turn our shared waters into engines of sustainable development, security, and prosperity.”
The Minister stressed the urgent need for collaborative action to address threats such as illegal fishing and pollution, while also pointing to the importance of scientific research and regional data-sharing for informed decision-making.
“Without better shared-knowledge-based governance, we will struggle to make the Atlantic a true driver of growth and resilience,” she warned. “Understanding the ocean is the foundation of protecting it. Training, technology, and local community engagement are critical to achieving this goal.”
