In this edition of the WIOMSA Newsbrief, we spotlight transformative initiatives that are shaping marine conservation in the Western Indian Ocean. A pivotal meeting convened by the Western Indian Ocean Consortium (WIO-C) in Dar es Salaam has revived regional collaboration, bringing stakeholders together to advance sustainable marine governance.
WIO countries are also joining forces under the Western Indian Ocean Coastal and Ocean Resilience (WIO-COR) project and the Large-scale Seagrass Mapping and Management Initiative (LaSMMI). These efforts are focused on developing the WIO Seagrass Status Report, which is essential for assessing the health of seagrass ecosystems.
The Newsbrief highlights ongoing efforts to harmonize fisheries data collection practices through the WorldFish-supported Asia–Africa BlueTech Superhighway project, which is gaining traction in the region. Additionally, it features WIOMSA and partner initiatives aimed at promoting locally managed marine areas (LMMAs) through workshops designed to strengthen their legal recognition and effective management.
We also share regional news from partners, including the Tanzania Ocean Governance Forum, led by the National Environment Management Council (NEMC). This forum addressed critical ocean governance challenges such as illegal fishing and pollution. Furthermore, the Newsbrief emphasizes the significant role of journalists in advancing the blue economy and the importance of informed media engagement. It celebrates gender equality in marine sciences with a special webinar organized by the Network for Women in Marine Science (WiMS) in honour of International Women’s Day, highlighting the need to integrate women’s voices into marine policy.
Access the April 2025 Newsbrief