Providing research and evidence-based advice to support the development of effective management plans across the region for sustainable fisheries and livelihoods
The sustainable management of marine resources is of increasing significance across the region as populations grow, fishing technologies become ever more efficient, and environmental pressures such as climate change pose uncertainties for the future. We provide our members with the scientific and technical services and advice they need to support marine resource management decision making for their national food security, livelihoods, and economies. The work we carry out in both coastal and oceanic fisheries includes the provision of information relevant to fisheries management decisions. We collect, analyse and report on data from a wide range of sources to develop meaningful evidence-based advice for fisheries managers.
Coastal fisheries and aquaculture management
Our coastal fisheries team has wide ranging expertise in fisheries management in the Pacific. We provide advice and support to member countries and territories in developing national management plans to meet their specific needs. We help develop capacities in policy, legislation and community-based fisheries management (CBFM), as well as monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) and support for alternative livelihoods. Our research and collaborations in these areas also seek to identify and address emerging concerns and challenges for management, such as climate change and population growth.
We also provide technical support to members to strengthen governance in aquaculture. This involves developing capacities to support viable production among government hatcheries, community farmers and private sector commercial enterprises as well as promoting management of aquatic biosecurity risks.
Oceanic fisheries management
Our oceanic fisheries team focuses primarily on data management and scientific assessment, advice and evidence to inform tuna (and other pelagic species) management. Over the years, we have provided members with technical support for their fisheries monitoring programmes, which gather the essential information to inform management of these valuable resources. Drawing on the best available scientific evidence, our team produces robust and relevant advice for fisheries managers from individual SPC members, to sub-regional agencies such as the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). Most recently, this has included supporting the development of harvest strategies for regional tuna stocks, which will enhance the timeliness and transparency of management decision making in the face of the future uncertainties.
Capacity building
To assist members in using the available information and data to inform their management plans, we carry out capacity building work. Our teams respond to members’ requests for support and tailor individual capacity building workshops to support the specific needs of each member country or territory.
