New Regional Network Formed to Support Small-Scale Octopus Fisheries in the Western Indian Ocean

Mombasa, Kenya – June 5, 2025 – AU-IBAR, with the assistance of the Swedish Agency for International Development Cooperation (SIDA), successfully concluded its Stakeholders' Consultative Workshop in Mombasa, Kenya, in an effort to enhance the sustainability and inclusivity of small-scale octopus fisheries in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region.  The workshop was conducted over the course of three days and was designed to verify a comprehensive study report that was intended to enhance the environmental considerations, climate change adaptation, and gender dimensions of small-scale octopus fisheries within regional value chains.

35 participants from the WIO region, including Kenya, Tanzania, Comoros, and Madagascar, participated in the workshop, which was conducted from June 3 to 5.  NGOs, academics, government representatives, and local fishers convened at the event to deliberate on the region's cephalopod fisheries, which are currently facing significant challenges and opportunities.

Strengthening Gender and Sustainability in Fisheries
The opening session was led by Madam Francisca Mhuriro, representing the Director of AU-IBAR, who highlighted the workshop’s focus on the sustainable development of the blue economy, in alignment with AU Agenda 2063 and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy. She stressed the importance of gender equality and environmental sustainability in fisheries, particularly in octopus fisheries, which play a vital role in the livelihoods of coastal communities.
In his opening statement, Mr. Collins Ndoro Kambu, Deputy Director of Fisheries at the Kenya Fisheries Service, reiterated the significance of small-scale octopus fisheries for coastal livelihoods and economic growth, particularly for women. He emphasized the need for sustainable practices that balance economic benefits with resource conservation.
 

Key Presentations and Technical Sessions
Throughout the workshop, technical experts and country representatives provided in-depth presentations on the status of octopus fisheries in their respective countries. These included updates on gender issues, sustainability practices, and environmental challenges facing small-scale octopus fisheries in the Comoros, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Kenya.
The workshop also featured a situational analysis by Prof. Bernard Fulanda, a technical consultant, who assessed the current status of octopus fisheries in the region and proposed mechanisms for strengthening their sustainability.
A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to working group sessions, where participants discussed the priority actions needed to enhance the role of women in octopus fisheries, including market access, post-harvest loss reduction, and the importance of integrating scientific and traditional knowledge into fishery management.

Formation of a Regional Network
One of the workshop’s key outcomes was the formation of an Interim Committee to oversee the establishment of a regional network for small-scale octopus fishers in the WIO region. The new network, named the Western Indian Ocean Network for Small-Scale Octopus Fisheries (WION-SOF), aims to foster greater regional cooperation among countries, NGOs, universities, and technical institutions.

The interim committee was established with the following members (see Top picture):
•    Amina Ahmed (Kenya) – Chairperson
•    Mzee Ali Khamis Haji (Tanzania) – Secretary General
•    Nassima Said Mloza (Comoros) – Treasurer
•    Mme Marie Jeannette Rasata (Madagascar) – Vice Chair

This network will serve as a platform for knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and advocacy on issues related to gender equality and sustainable octopus fisheries management.

Key Issues Discussed
Several key issues emerged during the workshop, including:
•    The need to strengthen the role of women in small-scale octopus fisheries.
•    The establishment of a regional network for small-scale octopus fishers in the WIO region.
•    Reducing post-harvest losses and improving market access for small-scale fishers.
•    The importance of sustainable fishing practices and policy enforcement to protect octopus populations.

Next Steps and Recommendations
As the workshop concluded, participants commended AU-IBAR for its efforts in promoting gender inclusivity and environmental sustainability in the region’s fisheries. The next steps include continued support from AU-IBAR for the establishment of national chapters for small-scale octopus fishers, as well as resource mobilization for the implementation of the network’s activities.
Participants also recommended that AU-IBAR focus on:
•    Capacity building for small-scale fishers, especially women.
•    The adoption of policy instruments at the AU level to support the sustainable development of small-scale octopus fisheries.
The new WION-SOF network is expected to play a crucial role in the region’s sustainable fishery governance, contributing to both economic growth and environmental protection for coastal communities.

Conclusion
The Stakeholders’ Consultative Workshop marked a significant milestone in strengthening the sustainability of small-scale octopus fisheries in the Western Indian Ocean region. The establishment of the WION-SOF network promises to enhance collaboration, promote gender-sensitive practices, and ensure the long-term sustainability of octopus fisheries for future generations.