Western Indian Ocean (WIO) Small-scale Octopus Fisheries: A Call for Capacity Building, Processing, Value Addition and Infrastructure Development for Increased Market Access and Sustainability.

Abstract

Small-scale octopus fisheries in the Western Indian Ocean are important sources of food, income and employment, particularly for women and youth in coastal communities. However, the sector is constrained by weak post-harvest infrastructure, inadequate cold-chain systems, limited value addition, poor compliance with quality standards, climate change and weak fisheries governance. Drawing on outcomes from a regional workshop held in Moroni, Comoros, in March 2026, this policy brief calls for coordinated investment in capacity building, processing technologies, market access, sustainable fisheries management and regional cooperation. Strengthening these areas will reduce post-harvest losses, improve livelihoods, enhance competitiveness and support the long-term conservation of marine ecosystems and octopus resources in the Western Indian Ocean. The abstract reflects the policy brief’s emphasis on infrastructure, value addition, climate resilience, inclusive participation and sustainable fisheries governance.