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From the field to the forum: Grounded solutions for Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture
When the 7th Regional Technical Meeting on Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture opened on November 19, 2024, its participants were not gathered in the usual Pacific Community (SPC) Conference room but in the digital space of a virtual meeting. Yet, despite the distances separating the 90 attendees from 14 member countries and key donor partners, a shared sense of purpose brought them together as one.
The meeting began with a prayer led by Sapeti Tiitii, the Samoa Inshore Fisheries Officer, a powerful reminder of the sacred duty to protect the ocean’s kai moana, the marine resources that sustain Pacific communities. Neville Smith, SPC’s Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystem Division Director, set the tone with heartfelt cultural greetings, invoking the Māori proverb, “he tangata, he tangata, he tangata”— “the people, the people, the people.” These opening moments set the tone for the week’s theme: unity in purpose and action.
Breaking down borders and strengthening bonds
Over the four days, discussions transcended geographical boundaries, focussing instead on shared challenges and solutions.
By the second day, a palpable camaraderie had emerged among participants in the different breakout group discussions, many of whom had known each other for years. Laughter and storytelling punctuated breaks while long-time collaborators warmly welcomed newcomers into the fold.
Discussions ranged from field realities, like the size of fishing baskets and waste management, to strategic solutions for sustaining livelihoods. During a breakout session, Tuaine Turuna from the Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources shared, “This is the only platform where we can openly discuss what’s happening on the ground. It’s raw, honest, and incredibly valuable.”
For instance, Ikasavea, a fisheries data collection tool launched by SPC three years ago, sparked animated conversations. Michael Laumanie from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources highlighted how the tool has transformed the data collection in local markets, providing the top 20 species of the nearshore fish stocks. “We already have our data since March 2024, and now we’re moving into the analysis phase,” shared a representative.
Showcasing innovations that inspire change
Every year, the RTMCFA becomes a stage for innovation, and 2024 was no different. Two groundbreaking developments stole the spotlight: the Highly Instrumented Fish Aggregating Devices (HI-FADs) and the Regional Aquaculture Database. Both innovations promise to transform coastal fisheries and aquaculture across the Pacific.
HI-FADs: Revolutionising fisheries
HI-FADs are state-of-the-art buoys equipped with advanced technology, including GPS, echosounders, and wave sensors. Funded by New Zealand and trialled in countries like Fiji, New Caledonia, Cook Islands and Tonga, these devices are designed to monitor fish stocks, ocean conditions, and buoy positions in real time.
- Fish monitoring: Echosounders detect fish schools up to 120 meters deep, providing precise data on species and biomass.
- Ocean insights: Wave buoys track real-time data on sea conditions, helping communities prepare for storms and manage marine resources sustainably.
- Position tracking: GPS ensures buoys remain in designated areas, reducing the risk of marine debris and improving resource management.
Despite challenges like high costs and maintenance, the enthusiasm was undeniable. “This is more than technology—it’s about protecting our ocean and ensuring our communities can continue to thrive,” said Viliami Fatongiatau from Tonga Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries.
Regional aquaculture database: Data for resilient farming
The proposed Regional Aquaculture Database aims to centralise data collection from farms and hatcheries across the Pacific. Designed to be mobile-friendly and AI-assisted, it simplifies tracking production cycles, environmental parameters, and financial metrics.
· What it tracks: From water quality to fish growth, the database collects data critical for farm management. Small-scale farmers, often excluded from such initiatives, are a priority.
· Community impact: “This database isn’t just for big players,” said Prashneel Chandra from the Ministry of Fisheries and Forest. “It’s for the farmers in remote villages who need to know if their ponds are healthy or if their production is sustainable.”
Participants agreed the database could revolutionise aquaculture by making data accessible and actionable. “This is about levelling the playing field,” said one attendee. “We’re empowering every farmer, no matter how small their operation.”
Shared challenges and collective solutions
Throughout the meeting, a recurring theme was the importance of aligning priorities with on-the-ground realities. The cost of implementing electronic monitoring systems, for example, remained a significant barrier. Participants also emphasised the need for training programmes tailored to local contexts.
Law and legislation sessions shed light on bridging gaps between policy and practice, while discussions on aquaculture highlighted the importance of waste management and sustainable practices. “For this week, it’s as though the borders disappear, and we become one people,” said a participant from Samoa. “After all, it’s one ocean.”
Looking ahead
As the meeting drew to a close, participants reflected on the journey ahead. While the challenges are significant, the Pacific’s collective strength lies in its unity and innovation. The RTMCFA7 wasn’t just a meeting; it was a testament to resilience and hope.
“The solutions aren’t simple, and the work ahead will be tough,” said one participant. “But together, we can ensure that our kai moana continues to sustain us for generations.”
With that, the meeting ended not with goodbyes but with a shared promise: to continue the sacred work of protecting the ocean and its people, united as one Pacific family.
