Why OACPS should empower youth in marine sector

DAR ES SALAAM: The Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Abdallah Ulega, has called on African, Caribbean, and Pacific (OACPS) member states to equip young people with skills that will enable them to exploit various opportunities in the marine sector and the blue economy at large.

Mr Ulega made this appeal during the 8th OACPS Ministers’ Meeting, held on Monday at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.

Delegates from 78 countries are attending the event to discuss fisheries and strategies to enhance the blue economy.

The meeting serves as a platform for member countries to discuss policies, share successes, and address challenges in the fisheries sector and aquaculture.

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It also aims to identify and strengthen strategic areas of cooperation with various development partners.
Speaking on the challenges facing member states, Ulega highlighted issues such as the increasing presence of plastics in the oceans and illegal fishing activities.

He proposed the use of modern technology, including drones, to survey and monitor areas most affected by illegal fishing.

The fisheries sector currently contributes 1.9 percent to Tanzania’s GDP, with a target to increase this contribution to between 3 percent and 10 percent by 2030, according to Ulega.

The meeting is also being held alongside an international symposium on improving the Aquatic Food Value Chain, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).