Supporting the Sustainable Management of Pacific Fisheries
Turning world-class fisheries science into climate resilience
Partner: Pacific Community – Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Division (FAME)
What We Did
We helped secure US$156 million from the Green Climate Fund for the Pacific Regional Tuna Programme.
We helped to show how investment in fisheries science is helping Pacific Island countries to manage vital marine resources
We produced campaigns such as Guardians of the Pacific, Fish & Tips and Tuna Bites to engage communities and leaders in efforts to enhance the sustainable management of fisheries
We developed communications strategies to support the use of science and behaviour change approaches to improve the sustainable management of vital coastal and oceanic marine resources.
Challenge
The Pacific supplies 60 percent of the world’s tuna – generating vital revenue for Pacific Island countries to fund schools, hospitals, and climate adaptation.
Rising ocean temperatures are shifting tuna stocks eastward and further into the high seas, beyond the effective reach of Pacific Exclusive Economic Zones.
Climate change is impacting the health of coral reefs which provide up to 90 percent of daily protein for coastal communities.
FAME needed to show how investments in fisheries science is helping to improve the sustainable management of vital marine resources.
Strategy
We designed compelling communications products that helped to highlight the need for greater investment in fisheries science to improve the management of Pacific fisheries resources.
We worked directly with fisheries ministries to design communications strategies that supported efforts to improve the sustainable management of coastal fisheries resources.
We developed communications to show leaders, donors and communities how the integration of science, management and behaviour change can help to address the impacts of climate change and unsustainable fishing practices.
Impact
- Helped secure USD156m for the new Pacific Regional Tuna Programme:
- Highlighted the importance of investing in science to improve the sustainable management of Pacific fisheries
- Developed communications strategies to help increase sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices
- Increased awareness of pathways for young Pacific Islanders to pursue careers in fisheries science