Ministry of Fisheries hosts USAID OurFish OurFuture – Melanesia Sea Cucumber Stakeholder Dialogue

By Andrea Ma’ahanua

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources is hosting the “USAID OurFish OurFuture – Melanesia Sea Cucumber Stakeholder Dialogue” at the Solomon Islands National University in Honiara.

The program encourages constructive dialogue on the achievements, challenges and opportunities of sea cucumber management in order to strengthen regional policies.

In his keynote address, Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Nestor Giro emphasized, the outcomes of deliberations will contribute to the review of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Roadmap for Sustainable Inshore Fisheries 2015-2024.

“The roadmap emphasizes the importance of sea cucumber management and restoration, aiming to maximize long-term economic value and ecological sustainability,” he explained.

Meanwhile, MSG Program Manager, Diana Salili says, the dialogue is timely as it enables MSG members, including stakeholders, to progress and sustain frameworks at a national, sub-regional and regional level.

“We wish you well in your deliberations over the next few days… we will be ready to support you in any outcomes from this dialogue,” said Salili.

Fisheries resources, such as beche-de-mer, contribute significantly to the economies of MSG member states while also sustaining community livelihoods.

However, climate change and issues of non-compliance to fisheries regulations, and illegal or unreported harvesting has warranted concern from authorities and people around the region.

Meanwhile, Acting-Country Representative of USAID PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Karis McGill reaffirmed the US Government’s commitment to supporting the endeavor.

She explained that despite the unprecedented threats faced in the region, there is hope.

“Together, we are working to combine science with traditional knowledge, creating practical solutions to bio-diversity threats that empower local communities, and protect their eco-systems and secure their livelihoods,” she emphasized.

USAID’s OurFish OurFuture is a five-year (2021-2026) project that is valued at $15 million.

The project is implemented in partnership with WWF, the University of Rhode Islands’ Coastal Resources Center, Locally-Managed Marine Area Network and the University of the South Pacific.

SIBC News understands, representatives from national and regional stakeholders are attending the program.

The dialogue will conclude tomorrow.

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