The Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is implementing scientific observations (ecological and biological status) of the marine environment and habitat restoration at selected sites both in Upolu and Savaii as one of the major components of the SPC/GIZ Coping with Climate Change in the Pacific Islands Region (CCCPIR) programme.
This project is funded by the German government supporting the Pacific Island Countries to increase their resilience and adaptive capacity against the impacts of climate change addressing five important development sectors in the Pacific Island Region such as: land use (agriculture, forestry and land use planning), fisheries, education, energy and tourism.
The Fisheries Division is holding a community consultation with eight selected communities in Upolu from Falealili and Falelatai Districts. Similar consultations were held in Savaii last week at Asau on Wednesday 21st January for the communities of Auala, Asau, Vaisala, and Salelologa on Thursday 22nd January for Siufaga, Luua, Malae, Sapini, Salimu.
These consultations aim at relaying outcomes of scientific assessments conducted at these sites on the biological and ecological status of their marine environments, updates of implemented project activities and handing over of snorkelling gears (fins, snorkels and masks) purchased under the project to gear up and assist communities in carrying out activities associated with their fish reserves and marine environment. These activities include fish reserves maintenance, crown of thorns clean up and monitoring activities. This is also a vital opportunity to update communities on coastal fisheries resource assessments results and ask for their continued support and collaboration in reef rehabilitation and stock enhancement activities to build resilience to the impacts of climate change to fisheries resources and habitats.
The ACEO-Fisheries Division, on behalf of the Ministry acknowledged the great support from the German Government coordinated by Mr Herman Timmermans, GIZ-Climate Change Advisor, where selected communities are fortunate to have these gears supplied to utilize on fish reserves and marine environment activities. The snorkelling gears were requested by communities during consultations and visits conducted by the Fisheries Division. Hence, this is the main goal of the project to give support to village communities in providing adaptive mechanisms to cope with climate change impacts to fisheries.
For further information contact Fisheries Division, MAF on telephone 20369.