Culturing coral for the international aquarium trade. Photo by Eran brokovich
Most Pacific Islanders derive a significant proportion of their sustenance and livelihoods from the sea. Globally, the highest per capita fish consumption is in these islands, but increasingly this critical source of protein is coming under threat from increasing population and reduced ecosystem health. Increasing commercial fishing and other environmental impacts have led to a depletion of fish and shellfish resources meaning many rural and coastal communities are now finding they have insufficient income to meet their basic needs for food, health and education.
The Pacific Islands are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. The coral reefs that are the foundation of their fisheries are vulnerable to degradation. The people, their houses, agricultural land, tourist resorts and infrastructure (including roads and airports) are concentrated in the coastal zones, and are thus especially at risk from rising seas and cyclones.
Currently focused on the Solomon Islands in the Western Pacific, The WorldFish Center is working in partnership with communities themselves, national government and local research organizations to assist Pacific Island countries to achieve sustainable management of coastal marine resources; including supplementary livelihood options through participatory adaptive management approaches and through the development of suitable aquaculture techniques.
