USAID enhances sustainable fisheries management in Vanuatu

November 21, 2024 10:04 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is playing a pivotal role in supporting Vanuatu’s conservation and economic development goals through locally led initiatives that emphasise sustainable fisheries management.

Collaborating closely with the Vanuatu Fisheries Department (VFD), USAID is helping to empower local communities to manage marine resources effectively while bolstering economic livelihoods.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Papua New Guinea (PNG), at the heart of this partnership is the OurFish OurFuture (OFOF) programme, a five-year initiative (2020–2026) implemented by the University of Rhode Island. Through OFOF, USAID provides technical support to VFD and local fishing communities, focusing on data collection, stock assessment, and sustainable practices.

“A key achievement includes advancements in Vanuatu’s National Management Plan on Sea Cucumbers, which utilises a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) system to ensure balanced harvesting informed by scientific research and community input,” the Embassy conveyed.

The training and mentorship provided by USAID-funded scientists have significantly improved local capacity in fisheries management. Community fisheries officers are now actively monitoring fishing activities, enforcing regulations, and strengthening the connection between VFD and fishers. These efforts, coupled with regional learning exchanges, allow Melanesian countries to adopt and replicate Vanuatu’s innovative strategies.

They said that USAID’s commitment extends to broader regional collaboration. It has supported events such as the Melanesia-wide Sea Cucumber Stakeholder Dialogue and contributed to the revision of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Roadmap for Sustainable Inshore Fisheries (2015–2024). The redesign of Vanuatu’s Deep Bottom Fishery Management Plan, launched this month, further underscores USAID’s dedication to aligning national policies with sustainable and inclusive practices.

The emphasis on empowering communities ensures the integration of traditional knowledge with scientific approaches. Vanuatu’s inclusive fisheries management model has become a blueprint for balancing environmental conservation with economic benefits.

In particular, the sea cucumber fishery highlights the potential for local communities to thrive economically while conserving marine ecosystems. Sea cucumbers, highly valued in Asian markets for culinary and medicinal uses, generate substantial income but require strict management to prevent overfishing and ensure resource sustainability.

While progress has been made, challenges persist, including gaps in data collection, supply chain monitoring, and enforcement of regulations. USAID is addressing these issues by fostering cooperation among Melanesian countries to establish shared controls, fair market pricing, and transboundary agreements.

Looking ahead, USAID’s vision aligns with Vanuatu’s long-term goals: sustainable fisheries that provide good jobs and ensure marine resources are preserved for future generations. By supporting Vanuatu’s efforts to merge traditional expertise with scientific best practices, USAID demonstrates its commitment to fostering resilient and thriving coastal communities in the Pacific.