Story highlights Most African states could earn vastly more from marine resources

Illegal fishing, piracy and poor governance holding back the 'Blue Economy'

New agreements could improve co-ordination between states

Professor Prof Francois Vreÿ is a research coordinator at the Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa, Stellenbosch University. The views expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writers. CNN is showcasing the work of The Conversation, a collaboration between journalists and academics to provide news analysis and commentary. The content is produced solely by The Conversation.

Over the past decade there's been a steady rise across Africa in the attention given to the responsible use of the oceans to contribute to economic growth -- or what's known as the Blue Economy.

The opportunities around Africa's blue economies are enormous with significant potential to create jobs and improve livelihoods.

But what's often missing in debates are issues of governance and security. Five themes are particularly important to ensure both: safety and security, rule of law and transparency, respect for human rights, sustainable economic opportunity and human development.

Neglecting these issues will hamper the potential growth promised by Africa's oceans. Africa's vast coastline hosts a maritime industry estimated at $1 trillion per year . This is only scratching the surface.

Africa has 38 coastal states and a number of island states like Cape Verde, Sao Tomé and Principe, Mauritius, Seychelles and the Comoros. Collectively African coastal and island states encompass vast ocean territories of an estimated 13 million km².

Coastal states such as Senegal could earn far more from their marine resources.

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