Introduction Previously known as the 'Inshore Fisheries Research Project' (1988), the ‘Resource Assessment Section’ (1993) and then as the ‘Reef Fisheries Resource Assessment and Management Section' (1998), the SPC Reef Fisheries Observatory has undergone recent expansion and operates as a self-contained, but fully integrated component of the SPC Marine Resources Division. It aims to provide SPC’s Pacific Island members with scientific information for use in planning the sustainable management of their reef fishery resources. It was set up in 2002 to emphasise the specific concerns of reef and lagoon fisheries, which extensively influence island communities’ living conditions, impact on food security and are one of the foundations for economic development. The Observatory has an international multi-disciplinary team of 8 specialist scientists. Objective The primary task of the Observatory is to provide information to SPC members themselves, but also to all parties involved in Pacific Island reef resource management. These range from local communities to international donors interested in the sustainability of the various reef fisheries in the Pacific, and include Pacific Island governments requiring advice on the management of local fishery resources under their jurisdiction.

Partnerships

The Reef Fisheries Observatory maintains close ties with IRD (a research institute and SPC’s closest neighbour in New Caledonia), through the CoRéUs project, and with The World Fish Centre, whose South Pacific Office is accommodated on the SPC campus. The team maintains many other partnerships with the other Pacific intergovernmental organisations (in particular SPREP, SOPAC and USP), but also with non-governmental organisations such as The Nature Conservancy. The SPC manages a number of special interest groups and is a focal point for a network of people and institutions interested in all sciences concerned by the fishery resources of coral reef environments.

Activities

Technical assistance

The section provides vital information on reef and lagoon resources of interest for local consumption and marketing. It conducts assessments of their exploitation potential and advises managers and decision-makers on devising and implementing reef fisheries management plans with a view to safeguarding the community’s food security and maintaining a sustainable balance between resource conservation and economic development. The Section takes part in strengthening national reef fisheries assessment and monitoring capacities within Pacific Island fisheries services.

Research

The section has set up projects and undertaken applied research aimed at strengthening knowledge of the reef fisheries resources and their management, including the theoretical bases for their assessment.

Coordination

The section coordinates regional initiatives implemented in collaboration with other institutions on topics of high priority for Pacific Island fisheries services.

Scholarships

Scholarship form

Donors