The value of a single spoonful of fish roe, a luxury food item, can exceed 1,000 Birr, with a kilogram potentially fetching up to $2,000 USD. As explained by Professor Shimelis Admasu of Addis Ababa University on the "For Your Health at Home" program, fish roe—the unfertilized eggs of a fish—is a high-value product known for its unique buttery, nutty, or tart flavor and a pleasing "bursting" sensation. By harnessing these kinds of high-value resources, Ethiopia could transform its economic landscape and tap into a new source of domestic and international revenue.

This discussion highlights a critical point: while Ethiopia is home to over 200 species of edible fish, a fact confirmed by the Ethiopian National Fishery Research Center, its vast aquatic resources remain significantly underutilized. The average Ethiopian consumes less than one kilogram of fish per year, a stark contrast to the African average of 10 kilograms and the global average of 20.2 kilograms.

To bridge this gap and unlock the sector's potential, Professor Shimelis asserts that a coordinated effort is required. He advocates for expanding fish training institutions, improving infrastructure for fish farming, and providing targeted training for young people. Additionally, he stresses the need for public awareness campaigns to boost consumption. With the right investment and strategic focus, the fisheries sector could become a powerful engine for job creation, income generation, and saving foreign currency by reducing the country's reliance on fish imports.