AIR Centre Nigeria and FISON launch strategic collaboration to advance sustainable fisheries

The AIR Centre Nigeria, under the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has launched a collaboration with the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) to strengthen fisheries management, promote sustainable practices, and support innovation in Nigeria's blue economy. The inaugural meeting brought together senior representatives from AIR Centre Nigeria, AIR Centre headquarters in Portugal, and FISON leadership. Discussions focused on shared objectives in supporting fisheries productivity, safeguarding aquatic ecosystems, and integrating digital solutions. One of the meeting's highlights was the introduction of the Sea-State App, a digital application designed to forecast sea velocity, waves, and weather conditions, helping fishers plan safer and more productive operations. The collaboration will focus on four key areas that aim to improve Nigeria's fisheries sector. Capacity building initiatives will deliver training and workshops for fishing communities, enhancing their technical skills and knowledge of sustainable practices. Data sharing mechanisms will integrate fisheries and ocean data to support informed decision-making across the sector. Pilot projects will enable real-world testing of the Sea-State App and other solutions in selected communities. Policy advisory services will provide joint support for evidence-based fisheries and blue economy policies at national and regional levels. Both organizations expressed commitment to this partnership, and the meeting concluded with agreements to establish a joint working group, identify pilot communities, and develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide the partnership. This development establishes a foundation for an innovation-driven fisheries sector in Nigeria and supports AIR Centre's mission to connect science with policy for a sustainable blue economy.