National Strategic Plan for Fisheries and Aquaculture (PENPA) 2025-2034.

The National Strategic Plan for Fisheries and Aquaculture (PENPA) 2025–2034 sets out a long‑term vision to maximize São Tomé and Príncipe’s fisheries potential while contributing to poverty reduction, food and nutrition security, employment generation and the development of an inclusive blue economy. To achieve this overarching vision, the Strategy establishes five major strategic objectives: strengthening fisheries governance and institutional capacity; ensuring effective and sustainable management of fishery resources; safeguarding the marine and coastal environment; enhancing the economic and social contribution of the fisheries sector; and promoting the sustainable development of aquaculture. The first two objectives focus on governance and sustainable resource management. They include updating and completing the legal and institutional framework, improving coordination mechanisms, and reinforcing the capacity of the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture (DPA) and the future National Institute for Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources (INRHA). The Strategy further emphasizes the need to strengthen scientific research, regulate fishing effort, introduce participatory co‑management systems and enhance Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS), including the adoption of a National Action Plan to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. These measures aim to ensure that decision‑making is based on reliable data and that exploitation of marine resources is conducted responsibly and sustainably.
The remaining objectives address environmental conservation and socioeconomic development. They call for the establishment and effective management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), restoration of sensitive ecosystems such as mangroves and coral reefs, protection of threatened species, and broader environmental education initiatives. At the same time, the Strategy seeks to improve living conditions in fishing communities through better infrastructure, enhanced safety at sea, diversification and valorization of fishery products, improved handling, processing and marketing systems, expanded access to credit, and targeted professional training. The development of sustainable aquaculture is treated as a dedicated objective, involving assessments of national potential, creation of an enabling institutional and regulatory environment, and the promotion of viable aquaculture initiatives.