Fish
has been described as the highest source of the world’s protein consumed by
humans, making the oceans vital to food security, reports NaijaAgroNet.
Based
on this, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister, Senzeni Zokwana said
South Africa need to produce more Marine, Forestry and Fisheries scientists.
Zokwana,NaijaAgroNet learnt, was among other industry leaders at the
commemoration of World Oceans Day, where the Status of Marine Fisheries Resources
Report was equally unveiled in Cape Town.
“We know that achieving food security in its totality
continues to be a challenge for the whole world and in particular for the
developing nations when you consider the proportion of the population
affected,” he said.
Minister Zokwana also said that the development of new
fisheries remains a critical part of government, hence the launch of operation
Phakisa, as a means to unlock the oceans’ economy, adding that “Our planet
comprises 71% of the ocean. It is the most important life-support systems on
earth, and almost all humans on earth depend on the sea natural resources”.
He pointed out that half of the world’s population lives
with 200 kms of the coastline.
“Oceans produce 50 percent of the oxygen necessary for human
survival and therefore, the sustainable use and management of the oceans even
its resources, is therefore critical to us today and for the future
generation,” he said.
Cyriacus Nnaji/ GEE
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