On 9 June 2026, people from the fisheries, aquaculture, conservation, and academic sectors gathered at the Aquaculture Innovation, Incubation and Development Centre (AIIDC), Sej Farms Training School, Ibereko, Badagry, Lagos State, to commemorate World Oceans Day 2026 through the 5th Edition of the FishParty Assembly.

The event was organized under the global World Oceans Day theme, “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet,” and brought together representatives of FishParty Organisation, Mundus maris, FishWise Organisation, Sej Farms, the Nigeria Trawler Owners Association (NITOA), students from various tertiary institutions and other stakeholders committed to sustainable ocean governance and fisheries development.

The programme commenced with the arrival and registration of participants, followed by the opening prayer, national anthem, and introduction of guests and panelists. Participants were welcomed by representatives of the organizing institutions, after which a documentary presentation by Sej Farms highlighted ongoing efforts in aquaculture development, capacity building, and sustainable fisheries.

The programme featured documentary presentations, student presentations by Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Kwara State University, Ilorin, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Lagos State University, Ojoo Lagos and various other interventions and interactive sessions, aimed at promoting ocean literacy and encouraging greater participation in marine conservation efforts.

Anthony Akpan speaking

A major highlight of the event was the keynote presentation delivered by Mr. Anthony Akpan, who spoke extensively on the Agreement under the Law of the Sea Convention to Protect Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and the critical role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in safeguarding marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainable use of ocean resources. He emphasized the need for stronger protection of marine ecosystems and encouraged young people to actively engage in ocean governance, advocacy, research, and policy processes. Addressing the students present from universities across different geopolitical zones of Nigeria, he challenged them not to be limited by fear of failure but to become leaders and change-makers within the blue economy sector.

The event served as a platform for dialogue, learning, advocacy and youth engagement, bringing together professionals, students, researchers, fishers and development practitioners committed to protecting ocean resources and advancing the blue economy.

The event served as the commencement of activities under the “Guardians of the Deep” University Forum, a partnership initiative involving PAVE and FishParty aimed at mobilizing undergraduates as advocates for Marine Protected Areas and the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement. As contained in the 2026/2027 workplan under Activity CB-YOUTH-05, the initiative seeks to engage students through advocacy training, educational resources on the blue economy value chain and the BBNJ Agreement, and youth-led campaigns designed to increase awareness and support for marine conservation. The World Oceans Day celebration therefore marked the first practical step toward implementing this activity and achieving its expected outcomes.

Panel session

Through presentations delivered by students from various institutions, participants gained deeper insights into the World Oceans Day theme, the importance of healthy oceans, the role of Marine Protected Areas in biodiversity conservation, and practical actions that young people can take to contribute to ocean sustainability. The quality of engagement demonstrated a growing interest among Nigerian youth in marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and blue economy opportunities.

The panel discussion further reinforced the importance of collaboration among government, academia, industry, civil society organizations, and young people in protecting marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable fisheries. Participants agreed that stronger partnerships and increased youth involvement will be critical to achieving long-term conservation and development goals.

The session highlighted the enthusiasm of Nigerian youth to contribute meaningfully to sustainable fisheries, environmental stewardship, research, advocacy, and policy processes.

The World Oceans Day 2026 celebration and FishParty Assembly successfully aligned global ocean conservation priorities with local action. By focusing on the theme “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet,” the event reinforced the importance of protecting marine ecosystems while empowering young people to become champions of sustainable ocean governance.

Beyond the knowledge shared, the event created a valuable platform for networking and relationship-building among participating organizations and institutions. It laid the foundation for future collaboration in advocacy, research, capacity development, student engagement, and marine conservation initiatives.

Prof. Stella Williams, one of the panelists, and Dr. Ayojesutomi Abiodun-Solanke, Mundus maris coordinator in Nigeria, clapping to recognise the performing students

The World Oceans Day 2026 celebration successfully linked global ocean conservation priorities with local action, while advancing the objectives of the Guardians of the Deep initiative.

The event reaffirmed the collective commitment of stakeholders to protecting marine ecosystems, strengthening Marine Protected Areas, promoting the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement by all African countries, which had not done so as yet, for its speedy and complete implementation, and empowering the next generation of ocean champions.

Protecting our oceans today remains an investment in future food security, sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and a thriving blue economy.

Watch the video from the Facebook page here.

Text and pictures by Ayojesutomi Abiodun-Solanke.