The coastal city of Nice in France is currently hosting the UN Ocean Conference, where discussions are centered around the protection and preservation of our oceans. However, thousands of miles away in Kenya, small-scale fishermen are facing a dire situation as fish stocks continue to dwindle, leaving their nets empty.
The main reason for this decline in fish populations is the presence of foreign industrial trawlers, predominantly from China, Tanzania, and Italy, that are overfishing in Kenyan waters. These trawlers are not only depleting fish stocks but also causing harm to marine ecosystems with little to no oversight.
In response to this crisis, coastal communities in Kenya are taking matters into their own hands. They are implementing protected areas, enforcing stricter fishing rules, and engaging in coral reef restoration efforts to reclaim and protect their waters from further exploitation.
FRANCE 24’s Clément Di Roma, along with Olivia Bizot, have reported on the grassroots movement taking shape in Kenya. The efforts of these coastal communities are crucial in ensuring the sustainability of their fisheries and the health of their marine ecosystems.
By prioritizing conservation and sustainable fishing practices, these communities are not only safeguarding their livelihoods but also preserving the biodiversity and natural beauty of Kenya’s coastal waters. It is a collective effort that holds the promise of a brighter future for both the fishermen and the oceans they depend on.
