India, April 14 -- Africa's oceans are increasingly crowded by aquaculture, energy and extractive projects.

This has driven more than 1,000 mostly non‑violent conflicts over a decade.

Nearly three‑quarters involve access to fisheries, mangroves and landing sites, often pitting small‑scale fishers against industry or tourism.

Over the last several decades, the oceans have become more crowded. Aquaculture, wind and wave energy, and oil and gas exploration are taking up more space. This growth threatens the health of ocean ecosystems and coastal communities' access to food and livelihoods that they have relied on for centuries.

It can also lead to conflicts. We define conflicts as events where the differing goals of two...