Committee on Fisheries 37th Session – COFI37 2026

The 37th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI37) will convene from 7 to 11 September 2026 at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, in hybrid format. The session will discuss the newly released State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) 2026 report, FAO’s flagship biennial assessment of global stocks and sector trends. Members will also consider the outcomes of COFI’s three Sub Committees (Fish Trade, Aquaculture, and Fisheries Management) and discuss key topics including progress in addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; the role of FAO and Regional Fishery Bodies in supporting implementation of relevant international agreements; adaptation and mitigation of fisheries and aquaculture to climate change; and supporting small-scale fisheries and aquaculture.

Alongside the formal proceedings, COFI37 will feature a programme of side events and a Speaker’s Corner, offering Members and observers additional space to share experience and dialogue on key and emerging issues. Additionally, a high-level event will be held to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Agreement on Port State Measures. The session will also see the presentation of the Margarita Lizárraga Medal, awarded biennially in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.

The Aquatic Blue Food Coalition at COFI37

The ABFC will be be an active participant at COFI37. The Coalition is hosting a reception for coalition members on Tuesday, September 8. Additionally, the ABFC has organized two Speaker Corner Events at FAO Headquarters, taking place in the Atrium at FAO Headquarters during COFI week:

Partnering for Healthy Diets for All: An Introduction to the Aquatic Blue Food Coalition
Thursday, 10 September 2026 | 13:30–14:00
Venue: Atrium, FAO Headquarters
Duration: Maximum 30 minutes

This session will introduce the Aquatic Blue Food Coalition and highlight the role of aquatic blue foods in contributing to healthy, sustainable, and equitable food systems.

Elevating Africa’s Blue Foods for Food Security, Climate Resilience and Economic Growth
Friday, 11 September 2026 | 11:00–11:30
Venue: Atrium, FAO Headquarters
Duration: Maximum 30 minutes