Nairobi, June 17 -- Across Africa, demand for aquatic foods is increasing as population grows. Yet, supply is struggling to keep the pace.

This matters because aquatic foods are not a niche product in Africa.

They are an important source of food, livelihoods and trade.

According to the latest edition of the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Mombasa, aquatic animal foods provide 19 percent of animal protein available in the continent, which is the second highest share globally compared to other regions.

In some countries and communities, particularly along coasts, rivers and lakes, that contribution is even higher. Yet, Africa has the lowest per ca...