Fishing for Change

Solomon Islands

Enabling small-scale fishers to drive locally-managed, sustainable fisheries.

FISHERIES ARE COLLAPSING IN THE SOLOMON ISLANDS

Coastal fisheries in the Solomon Islands play a critical role in providing food security, nutrition, and income for rural households. However, these fisheries face increasing threats, including:

Overfishing and destructive gear use.
Habitat degradation.
Climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and ocean warming.

Current trends indicate that by 2030, these fisheries will struggle to meet the growing demand, risking both ecological health and community livelihoods.

fishing for change goals

Gear Use Audit and Transition: Support fishers in transitioning to sustainable options, such as larger mesh sizes and Turtle Exclusion Devices (TEDs).

Capacity Building for Governance: Strengthen the Western Provincial Government’s ability to regulate and enforce fisheries laws effectively.

Increasing Community Education on Marine Species: Facilitate educational workshops on target and non-target species.

Alternative Livelihoods Development: Promote conservation-focused income opportunities, reducing dependency on overexploited resources.

Catch Monitoring and Data Collection: Establish community-led monitoring programs to track fish catch (species, size, weight) and reduce by-catch.