Fishing for Change

Solomon Islands

Community-led marine protection, reef resilience and fisheries recovery in the Western Province.

Coastal fisheries and reef systems are under pressure

Coastal fisheries in the Solomon Islands play a critical role in food security, nutrition, income and cultural life for rural and island communities. These fisheries face increasing pressure from overharvesting, destructive or unsuitable gear, habitat degradation, climate change, and limited monitoring and enforcement capacity.

In the Western Province, coral reefs, seagrass areas, lagoons and nearshore fisheries are deeply connected to community wellbeing. Protecting these ecosystems requires more than conservation targets alone. It requires locally led governance, practical management tools, locally relevant science and monitoring, inclusive participation and livelihood pathways that reduce pressure on reef systems.

fishing for change goals

1. Strengthen Community-led Marine Protection
Help local communities and customary owners protect important reef, lagoon and fishing areas through practical local rules, monitoring and long-term management.

2. Develop Pathways to Priority Reef Restoration and Long-term Monitoring
Build the local training, research, site assessment and monitoring systems needed to support future coral reef restoration and biodiversity protection.

3. Improve Fisheries Governance and Reduce Harmful Impacts
Work with fishers, communities and government partners to strengthen local rules, fisheries monitoring, gear transition and fisher-led management.

4. Build Conservation-linked Livelihoods
Develop locally owned livelihood pathways, including seaweed farming, that strengthen household incomes, reduce reliance on reef fisheries and support long-term marine stewardship.

Where We’re Heading

Since 2025, PCFML has supported three LMMA communities and delivered eight fisheries workshops in the Western Province. With support from the GBRF Resilient Reefs Pasifika Accelerator, Fishing for Change is building a pathway toward strengthening approximately 20,000 hectares of customary marine areas and LMMAs toward effective management and OECM recognition.

PCFML is also incubating Ocean Livelihoods Ltd, a separate for-profit venture developing locally owned enterprise and market pathways. Seaweed is the first enterprise pathway, with a funded pathway toward 30 hectares across six communities and around 80 initial farmers.

The model will test whether stronger non-fishing incomes can reduce reef-fishing pressure and help generate recurring value for long-term marine stewardship.

Partners & Technical Network

Alongside our major funders Outrigger Impact and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Fishing for Change is supported by community, government, research, conservation and technical partners across marine protection, reef monitoring, fisheries governance and conservation-linked livelihoods.