World Fisheries Day 2022
World Fisheries Day pivots on worldwide support for all fishermen and women in the value chain, actors, and stakeholders in the sector. The global objective for the day is to bring focus on the increasing challenges of the sustainability of both marine and inland water fish species. Some notable challenges of fisheries are IUU fishing, ecological damage to the environment, and the growing impacts of climate change on marine habitats.

Maritime Snippet
The Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. The SDGs were set in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030. What is beginning to emerge more and more is that the ocean is a pivotal tool in attaining the SDGs. There is an increasing awareness of the fact that there are several other SDGs which are hinged on SDG 14; and consequently, on the Blue Economy.

Focal Areas
Pioneering Maritime Governance in Africa
Threat Assessment
Identification of threats to maritime security and appropriate legal responses
Research
Researching the broader governance, political and economic dynamics that impact the maritime environment of Africa
Consultancy
Provision of consultancy services and a platform for collaboration and implementation of key national, regional and global initiatives
Capacity Building
Facilitation of training/capacity building across the continuum of ocean governance and maritime interests
Our Mission
The Mission of CEMLAWS is to promote effective national and regional policy responses to ocean governance issues and maritime security in Africa through policy analysis, expert-driven deliberations, capacity building and research.
JOIN US VIA TWITTER
Happy Independence Day to our cherished nation. Let's gather to commemorate the freedom and development... Read More
Exciting news! @RebeccaEssamuah of CEMLAWS Africa will be appearing as a panelist on the next telecast... Read More
RT @FisheriesTI: Great discussions last week with @CEMLAWS_Africa, @ccm_ucc, @DrRashidSumaila, @JednaDeida and @GAIPES1 about the... Read More
REMINDER!!! Do not forget to register to participate in the much anticipated project launch, taking... Read More
Our Ocean, Our Life
While it is easy to appreciate tangible land estates because they form our immediate habitat, a true understanding of the value of land should create a deeper awareness of the geostrategic essence of our oceans. At CEMLAWS Africa, we are committed to preserving and enhancing the value of Africa’s maritime estate. But why should our oceans matter to you? .
Our Ocean, Our Lifeblood
Oceans are the lifeblood of our planet. Constituting over 70% of the planet’s surface and holding close to 97% of Earth’s water, oceans are integral to providing the water needed to support human life.
Our Ocean, Our Economy
The potential positives of a sturdy Blue Economy provides benefits that transcend each sector of any country’s socio-economic environment, strategically advancing national economies into industrialised, inclusive and resilient structures.
Our Ocean, Our Biodiversity
Oceans provide crucial ecosystems services necessary to sustain the Earth’s biodiversity. Without the oceans, we would be missing five phyla of animals on our planet! Preserving the oceans means preserving life.
Our Ocean, Our Energy
The entire globe is increasingly dependent on offshore oil and gas reserves harboured by our oceans. Energy security would be impossible without the wealth of reserves the ocean provides.
Our Ocean, Our Health
The pharmaceutical industry has been one of the greatest beneficiaries of new resources of high economic importance, discovered in the expanse of the ocean. The disparate ecosystems of the high seas have led to breakthroughs in the treatment of several human diseases…and there are still more mysteries to be discovered in the high seas.
Our Ocean, Our Trade
Oceans provide the primary means of international trade. States rely on shipping for the importation of industrial inputs and basic consumption goods including health needs. An astonishing 90% of global trade is transported by sea.
Our Ocean, Our Food
The ocean provides a vast array of valuable natural resources, including tons of our protein in-take (and this is much more than just seafood!). In Africa, for instance, the contribution of fish to dietary protein requirements in Africa is at an average 50% and as high as 80% for some States.


