In Solomon Islands, an archipelago made up of almost 1000 islands, aquatic foods are an important source of food and income. Most rural people live on coasts, small islands and atolls and around 30 percent of the total population depends on fishing for an income. The 2009 census reports that 11,607 people are employed in fisheries, with 1800 people employed directly in the local tuna industry.
Fish accounts for 57 percent of total animal-source protein intake and is essential for nutritional wellbeing. Average fish consumption is high, ranging from 33 kg to 111 kg/person/year.
Annual fish exports are around 299,692 kg for finfish and commodities, and around 7,669 metric tons for tuna. While there is no commercial aquaculture production in the Solomon Islands, the country does produce and export seaweed, which in 2014 was around 600 metric tons.
We work with the Government of Solomon Islands, NGO partners and communities to reinvigorate traditional marine management to ensure sustainability of coastal fish production. Our research in Solomon Islands includes improving resource management and governance at community, provincial, national and regional scales, and increasing nutritional awareness on the role of fish in diets, with a particular focus on women’s dietary diversity and infant and young children feeding practices.