Coastal fisheries are vital to the livelihoods of most Pacific Island countries. Coastal fisheries are also an essential element of local food security, as they provide a major source of protein. However, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, unsustainable fishing levels and practices, climate change, and the degradation of critical habitat threaten the region’s security. The Pacific Coastal Fisheries Management and Compliance project aims to strengthen the management of coastal fisheries resources to help advance resilient growth and a more stable Indo-Pacific region.
The five-year (2021-2026), $6 million Pacific Coastal Fisheries Management and Compliance project will strengthen partner government capacity to implement monitoring, control, and surveillance of coastal fisheries, improve compliance with fisheries laws and policies, and improve national level agencies’ abilities to coordinate and collaborate with civil society and local-level fisher groups. The project will cover 12 Pacific Island countries: Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
ACTIVITIES
The Pacific Coastal Fisheries Management and Compliance project will address the gaps in effective coastal fisheries management, particularly the drivers of IUU fishing that are degrading coastal fisheries and biodiversity, and negatively impacting local livelihoods and maritime security.
IMPROVE SUSTAINABLE COASTAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
The project will advance the sustainable management of coastal fisheries resources and improve coastal and marine ecosystems by sharing best practices and scientific information, as well as conducting training and mentoring to strengthen the capacity of communities to manage their resources. USAID will also work with partners to improve policies on managing coastal fisheries, strengthen capacities on community-based ecosystem approach to fisheries management (CEAFM), and increase constituencies demanding sustainable coastal fisheries and biodiversity conservation.
ENHANCE MONITORING, CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE IN COASTAL WATERS
The Pacific Coastal Fisheries Management and Compliance project will support Pacific Island countries and communities to mitigate IUU fishing with key investments in sustainable management of coastal fisheries and implementation of monitoring, control, and surveillance activities in coastal waters to improve sovereignty and security in the regions. USAID also will support partners to enhance coastal fisheries data systems, improve enforcement capabilities, and strengthen linkages among government authorities to combat IUU fishing.
PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAINS
The project will develop and scale private sector partnerships that mobilize and enhance coastal fishery supply chains to contribute to the growth of a Blue Economy in the Pacific Islands region.
ABOUT US
USAID’s Pacific Coastal Fisheries Management and Compliance activity is implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC). The activity will work closely with other regional fishery organizations, non-governmental organizations, and relevant government authorities.
CONTACT US
Contact Name: Zema Semunegus, Mission Director
Address:U.S. Embassy Suva,158 Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva, Fiji
Phone: +679 331-4466
Email: infopacificislands@usaid.gov
Website: www.usaid.gov/pacific-islands
Facebook: www.facebook.com/usaid.pacificislands
Twitter: www.twitter.com/usaidpacificisl
