South Pacific

Miles of tropical sun drenched sand and crystal blue waters may give the impression that the inhabitants of the South Pacific islands enjoy an idyllic lifestyle. But this is not the case.

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 poverty abounds. Increasing commercial fishing and other environmental impacts have led to a depletion of fish and shellfish resources leaving many rural and coastal communities with 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 rapidly degrading. The people, 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.

The WorldFish Center is working in partnership with local research organizations to assist Pacific Island countries to achieve stable, healthy fish populations and to develop sustainable livelihoods particularly through the development of novel marine aquaculture techniques.

Highlights of our work in the South Pacific

WorldFish Center policy brief on the threat to fisheries and aquaculture from climate change

For more information contact Dr. Warwick Nash – w.nash@cgiar.org