Michelle Tigchelaar
As the dust settles on COP30 in Belém, one thing is clear: aquatic foods are no longer a side conversation in climate negotiations. What was once discussed on the margins has moved firmly into the mainstream of climate action—creating both momentum and responsibility as the world turns its attention toward COP31.
This shift did not happen overnight. Momentum has been building for more than a decade: the first Ocean Day appeared in the Green Zone in 2009, moved into the Blue Zone by 2016, and was reinforced through the UNFCCC’s Ocean and Climate Change Dialogues beginning in 2020. COP27 marked a breakthrough with a dedicated ocean section in the cover decision, followed by COP28’s Declaration on Food and Aquaculture, which explicitly recognised sustainable blue foods as part of global climate solutions.
At COP30, that trajectory found its footing. Fisheries and aquaculture were treated not as niche concerns, but as core components of climate adaptation, mitigation, and food security. Across pavilions and official sessions in Belém, governments, fisher organisations, and research institutions showcased solutions that are ready to scale now—provided the right partnerships and financing follow.
National Plans Signal a Turning Point
The arrival of the next generation of national climate plans (NDC 3.0) revealed a clear and encouraging pattern. Well over half of ocean states now include fisheries and aquaculture within their adaptation priorities, while roughly a quarter are also setting mitigation objectives for aquatic food systems.
At an official COP30 side event co-hosted by WorldFish and partners, countries outlined concrete pathways for climate action through aquatic foods. Brazil highlighted its national sustainable aquaculture plan, stronger support for artisanal fisheries, and expanded low-carbon aquaculture. Cambodia emphasised community fisheries, climate-smart aquaculture, and protection of freshwater ecosystems such as Tonle Sap. Fiji described investments in renewable-energy fisheries infrastructure, habitat restoration, and regional ocean governance. Mexico detailed plans to integrate aquatic foods into its forthcoming Sustainable Ocean Plan and ocean-focused NDC components.