Transformative Ocean Investment Opportunities 2025

17 Making Waves in the Regenerative & Sustainable Ocean Economy: Transformative Ocean Investment Opportunities 2. Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture The Ocean is a lifeline for billions. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)15, the fisheries and aquaculture sector directly employs 62 million people, with the livelihoods of over 600 million – largely in coastal communities – depending on it. Critically, more than 80% of those engaged in this sector are part of small-scale fisheries, which are vital to food security, economic stability, and social cohesion across the Global South16. In 2021, aquatic foods supplied at least 20% of animal protein intake for 3.2 billion people, a proportion significantly higher in many low-income nations 17. These numbers underscore the need to urgently protect and enhance the Ocean’s regenerative capacity. Strategic investments into sustainable aquaculture, improved fisheries management, and the elimination of harmful subsidies offers a pathway to restore ocean productivity. This would unlock billions in economic value, particularly for developing countries, while at the same time strengthening food systems and safeguarding jobs for future generations. Conserving these ecosystems can help countries adapt and become more resilient to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Investments into capital and technical resources for best practice aquaculture and wild-caught seafood businesses and supply chains – particularly in emerging markets and SIDS that can be certified sustainable and access high-value markets globally – are key to building food security and community resilience. ABALOBI is a technology-driven company enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities in South Africa and beyond. By applying data and “Technology for Good”, ABALOBI is developing thriving, equitable, resilient and sustainable fishing ecosystems that empower local fishers and promote responsible fishing practices. Through their “Fish With A Story” platform, they connect fisher groups and cooperatives with fair markets and linked financial services. Their approach stimulates co-management, implements fisheries improvement programmes, and uses innovative data, traceability and market technologies to position small-scale fishers for social, economic and ecological sustainability. LINK 15. FAO - The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (2024) 16. Ibid 17. Ibid LET'S DIVE IN! IRRESISTIBLE OCEAN INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES