Leading fisheries experts, scientists, and policymakers have called for a more coordinated and data-driven approach to managing global fish stocks, following a high-level international workshop focused on ocean data and sustainable fisheries.
The three-day workshop, organized by the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission under the GEO Blue Planet initiative, brought together Regional Fisheries Bodies, research institutions, and technical partners to explore how ocean observations, satellite technology, and ecosystem modelling can better support fisheries management.
Participants emphasized that modern tools such as marine ecosystem models and satellite monitoring systems are now sufficiently advanced to inform decision-making. These technologies can help identify productive fishing zones, reduce operational costs, and improve sustainability outcomes. However, experts noted that many regions still face significant barriers, including limited technical capacity, restricted access to data, and weak integration between environmental and fisheries information systems.
Climate change emerged as a central concern throughout the discussions, with participants highlighting its growing impact on fish stock distribution and ocean productivity. The workshop underscored the need for fisheries management frameworks to better incorporate environmental and climate data in order to remain effective in a changing global ecosystem.
A key outcome of the workshop was a strong call for enhanced collaboration. Stakeholders urged closer partnerships between scientists and fisheries managers, improved coordination across global and regional initiatives, and increased support for capacity development particularly in data analysis and application.
The Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), represented at the workshop, identified several priority areas for the region. These include strengthening ecosystem-based fisheries management, improving data systems, expanding the use of satellite and modelling tools, and organizing regional workshops to address technical gaps.
Participants concluded that the future of sustainable fisheries depends on bridging the gap between science and policy, and ensuring that decision-makers have access to timely, accurate, and actionable data. Strengthening global cooperation and investing in data-driven solutions were highlighted as essential steps toward reversing the decline in fish stocks and securing livelihoods for coastal communities worldwide.
London, April 23, 2026
