ARBEC III The 3rd Aquatic Resources and Blue Economy Conference

The research programme is organised around seven interconnected tracks, each addressing priority knowledge gaps and implementation challenges:

• Track 01 — Sustainable Fisheries & Aquatic Food Systems. Stock assessment methodologies, co-management frameworks, post-harvest loss reduction, small-scale fisheries livelihoods, IUU fishing prevention.
• Track 02 — Climate-Smart Aquaculture. Hatchery technology, climate-adapted species, feed formulation, biosecurity, integrated aquaculture.
• Track 03 — Blue Tourism & Nature-Based Enterprises. Ecotourism impacts, community-based natural resource management, coastal spatial planning.
• Track 04 — Governance, Policy & Finance. Evidence-based policymaking, transboundary governance, blue finance instruments.
• Track 05 — Technology, Data & Digital Innovation. Remote sensing, AI applications, IoT monitoring, blockchain traceability, citizen science.
• Track 06 — Climate Resilience & Ecosystem Health. Climate change impacts, ecosystem restoration, invasive species management.
• Track 07 — Community Engagement, Equity & Capacity Building. Gender equality, youth engagement, indigenous knowledge integration, participatory research methodologies.

Alongside the conference, a Blue Economy Exhibition and Information Centre will be set up within the conference venue, open to local, national, regional and international players in the blue space. The centre targets government agencies, innovators, academia, entrepreneurs, financial institutions and other stakeholders wishing to showcase their activities and demonstrate the role of science in the blue economy.

Exhibition fees are USD 1,000 for exhibitors from Africa and developing countries and USD 2,000 for exhibitors from developed countries. The fee includes a 3 × 3 m booth, one table and two chairs, and a full conference package for two exhibitors. Booths are allocated on a rolling basis and secured only on full payment; early booking is strongly recommended.

Side events are a core pillar of ARBEC III, giving partners space to showcase innovations, host dialogues and convene targeted technical discussions. Packages range from premium side events (USD 10,000–15,000) and standard technical sessions (USD 5,000–8,000) to partner showcases and innovation labs (USD 3,000–5,000) and youth or early-career events (USD 2,000–4,000). Contributions support venue allocation and logistics, technical facilitation, communication and visibility, and documentation of outcomes.

Conference Chair: Dr. Paul Sagwe Orina, Director General, KMFRI.
Conference Coordinator: Dr. Chrispine Nyamweya.
Host institution: Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), P.O. Box 81651-80100, Mombasa, Kenya.