The World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP) has firmly rejected participation in the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, calling it an undemocratic platform that pushes false solutions like 30×30 and industrial aquaculture while sidelining traditional fisher communities. The 30×30 global plan aims to protect 30% of the world’s oceans and lands by 2030. Yet, instead of recognizing small-scale fishers as ocean stewards, it drives them from their traditional waters, severs their connection to ecosystems, and strips away their resources.

WFFP explains that the UN Ocean Conference is pushing false solutions like “blue foods” and “aquatic foods” to justify policy changes, deregulation, and more investment in industrial-scale fish farming. Instead of validating these harmful policies, WFFP will hold a counter-conference to amplify fisher voices, uphold food sovereignty, and defend their rights against ocean grabbing and corporate-backed conservation.

NAMA supports WFFP in asserting that ocean conservation must not come at the expense of fisher peoples’ lives, livelihoods, and customary rights.

Read WFFP’s full statement below.

Photo: Members of WFFP march in Brasília, Brazil on World Fisheries Day in November 2024. Photo by Feini Yin of NAMA.