Emau pilot survey gathers data for sustainable planning
December 10, 2025 11:32 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
The Government of Vanuatu, through Blue Prosperity Vanuatu, has launched a pilot Ocean Use Survey (OUS) in Emau as part of a nationwide effort to strengthen sustainable ocean management and implement the newly enacted Oceans Act.
The OUS collects information from community members on how they use, value, and depend on the ocean, including areas important for fishing, cultural practices, transportation, tourism, recreation, and livelihoods.
Building on data from the Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Coral Reef Study, the OUS will record the knowledge, priorities, uses, and kastom practices of Vanuatu residents to guide future ocean management.
“A critical step in planning for the future of Vanuatu’s ocean is understanding how our people are using and valuing ocean spaces,” said Toney Tevi, Director of the Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs. “By combining this information with scientific research about the state of our oceans, we can create a plan that supports Vanuatu’s people and economic growth now and into the future.”
Recently, the Government of Vanuatu passed the Oceans Act, which restores traditional governance and ownership of local waters at provincial and local levels. The Act also calls for an update to Vanuatu’s Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), the nationwide framework for managing the country’s oceans and resources.
The pilot in Emau will help shape future surveys in other provinces, starting with TORBA in early 2026. Data collected from the OUS will provide a more complete understanding of ocean use across Vanuatu and will directly inform the revision of the MSP.
“The Ocean Use Survey is a powerful tool to capture the knowledge and priorities of our people and help traditional governance and communities guide future ocean management,” said Jeremie Kaltavara, Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Country Manager.
The OUS is conducted by trained enumerators using SeaSketch, a digital mapping tool that captures areas of the ocean people use and value. The insights will support updates to the MSP, defining areas for new economic activities as well as areas for marine resources to recover.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Oceans and Maritime Affairs is implementing the survey in partnership with Blue Prosperity Vanuatu, the Waitt Institute, provincial governments, Area Councils, and community leaders. The Emau pilot will be followed by surveys in other areas in 2026.
“This process ensures the updated Marine Spatial Plan reflects the real needs of communities and respects kastom leadership,” Kaltavara added. “Our goal is to build a prosperous, resilient ocean future for all people of Vanuatu.”
Community participation is voluntary and open to all ocean users, including fishers, tourism operators, transport vessel operators, women’s groups, youth, and traditional leaders.
