Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Marine Environmental Dynamics: Implications for the Seafood Supply System and Food Security in Southern Africa

Demands for fishery resources in Africa have been rising over the past few decades. Yet, fishery and aquaculture production in Southern Africa show contradictory patterns. The total fish catch in Africa grew until 2018, but has since remained relatively stable with marginal changes. On the other hand, the fish catch in South Africa has been in a declining trend. There was a significant gap in the development of aquaculture in Africa, and aquaculture production remains limited, except in Egypt and Tanzania. In Southern Africa, both Angola and Mozambique have shown increases in fish catch. However, Mozambique’s seafood trade deficit has grown over the period from 2012 to 2022. Namibia and South Africa, on the other hand, have reduced their fish catch. Namibia imported more fish than it exported in 2022 compared to 2012, and South Africa has shifted to a seafood trade deficit.

Interviews conducted with stakeholders in Southern African countries—namely South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique—from 2023 to 2024 revealed several important perspectives. Several factors have been identified. Increased fishing pressures from distant fishing vessels were considered a significant factor contributing to the decline in seafood production and self-sufficiency in Southern African countries. Countries are becoming increasingly vigilant about illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. However, Southern African countries have limited capacity to monitor IUU vessels and enforce regulatory measures. Seawater warming is another factor that may have disrupted fish migratory patterns and shifted habitats away from conventional fishing areas. Increased land-use changes and inland development have caused soil discharge and sedimentation, disturbing fish habitats. Additionally, increased exports of valuable seafood could also result in less valuable seafood being imported from neighboring or overseas countries.

Marine environment monitoring in the West Indian Ocean also revealed that there are patches of ocean areas showing different patterns of sea surface temperature changes. It is not the case that all areas in the West Indian Ocean exhibit a linear trend of seawater warming. In fact, some areas show a decline in seawater temperature. These mixed trends make it difficult to assess fish biomass availability and predict future trends across the Indian Ocean.

South Africa leads aquaculture development in Southern Africa. However, its production is focused primarily on lucrative delicacies such as abalone, which are exported to Asian markets. Local aquaculture is not intended to support the local seafood market but rather to generate revenue from seafood exports. The implications of export-oriented seafood sector development need to be further analyzed, particularly in terms of enhancing seafood production and ensuring food security in Africa. The current patterns of seafood exports and their socio-economic benefits also need to be examined. Policy transformation is required to optimize balanced seafood sector development, promote sustainable blue economies, and ensure food security in Southern Africa.