Blue Foods and the Blue Bioeconomy: Pathways to Nutrition, Resilience, and Sustainability

As the world grapples with overlapping crises of malnutrition, climate change, ocean degradation, and social inequity, a transformative solution lies just beneath the surface: aquatic blue foods. These include a diverse range of over 3000 species of fish, shellfish, seaweed, and microalgae cultivated and harvested in our marine and freshwater ecosystems that is deeply undervalued in global food systems and ocean discussions.

This session will bring together leading experts, practitioners, and policymakers to explore both the untapped potential of aquatic foods and the complex challenges that must be overcome to scale them sustainably and equitably. By showcasing scientific evidence, real-world innovations and policy pathways, the event aims to reposition aquatic foods as central to achieving food and nutrition security, enhancing ocean health, supporting livelihoods, and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ultimately, the session calls for the fuller integration of aquatic foods into food systems planning to both maximise the benefits and proactively manage the risks. By taking this step, countries can diversify food supply chains, reduce reliance on carbon-intensive agriculture, and increase resilience to climate shocks, contributing to a brighter future for global food and nutrition security.