Pictured: Dr Wendy Sealey and Dr Foluke Areola, who was inaugurated as WAS President during the World Aquaculture Singapore 2026 conference.
Photo: World Aquaculture Society
Dr Foluke Areola has formally taken office as president of the World Aquaculture Society (WAS), becoming the first African leader of the international professional organisation.
In her acceptance speech at World Aquaculture Singapore 2026 last month, Areola described her inauguration as "deeply personal, but far greater than that, it is historic."
“It represents not only a milestone in my own professional journey but also a powerful affirmation of the growing voice, visibility, and contribution of Africa and the Global South within the global aquaculture community,” she said.
Areola, who succeeds Dr Wendy Sealey in heading the organisation, thanked WAS members for placing their confidence in her and paid tribute to the organisation’s previous leaders. She also acknowledged Sealey’s support during the transition.
Areola is a Nigerian fisheries and aquaculture professional and a retired director of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Before joining the WAS global leadership, she served as president of the Society’s African Chapter.
Setting out her agenda, Areola said she would seek to strengthen collaboration between the Society’s regions and increase the participation of countries and professionals that have been underrepresented in global aquaculture discussions.
Youth mentorship and professional development will be another focus of her presidency. Areola said the sector’s future would depend on preparing a new generation of scientists, farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and technology developers.
“To young professionals and students listening today, I say this: your generation will shape the future of aquaculture in ways we can only begin to imagine,” she said. “Be courageous. Be innovative. Remain ethical. Continue learning.”
Her other stated priorities include supporting science-led, climate-smart aquaculture and encouraging closer cooperation between universities, industry, governments, financial institutions, development organisations and local communities.
Areola said such partnerships would be needed to connect scientific research with policy, investment and practical implementation.
Aquatic animal health, welfare, biosecurity, food safety and ethical production systems will also receive greater attention under her leadership, she added.
Areola emphasised aquaculture's growing importance as countries contend with population growth, food insecurity, climate change, unemployment and economic inequality. However, she warned that the sector’s future could not be based solely on expanding production.
“It must be founded upon sustainability, inclusion, scientific integrity, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, equity, innovation, and global cooperation,” she said.
Areola also addressed women working in aquaculture, particularly those in regions where access to professional opportunities and leadership positions remains restricted. “Your voices, your talents, and your contributions are needed now more than ever,” she said.
While calling for greater participation from Africa and the Global South, Areola said the regions should continue developing partnerships and exchanging knowledge with institutions in the Global North.
She argued that challenges facing aquaculture could not be solved by one country, organisation or professional discipline acting alone. Stronger scientific networks, institutions, mentorship programmes and financing partnerships would therefore be central to the sector’s development, she said.
“I strongly believe that aquaculture has the potential to become one of humanity’s most important instruments for building a more food-secure, peaceful, and sustainable future,” Areola said. “But this can only happen if we work together.”