FIJI COUNTRY PROGRAM 2015

Improving Effectiveness of Inshore Fisheries Management Systems in Fiji to
Achieve Sustainable Ecological, Social and Economic Outcomes
STATUS: Ongoing
FUNDING: David and Lucille Packard Foundation (#2015-41007)
PARTNER ORGANISATIONS: Department of Fisheries, Fiji Environmental Law Association,
Biospherics
Sea cucumber monitoring inside and outside tabu areas in Bua Province (left). Value chain analysis
training ©Sangeeta Mangubhai/WCS
HIGHLIGHTS AND NEXT STEPS:
Our fisheries work focuses around three key objectives: (1) improving fisheries management
systems by strengthening regulation of two commercially important species groups (sea
cucumbers, mud crabs) and refining local size limits for key reef fish species; (2) supporting
development of effective government legislative, policy, and management frameworks that
provide the enabling conditions for sustainable inshore fisheries management; and (3)
strengthening the governance of inshore fisheries through increased skills and institutional
capacity for co-management. Key accomplishments achieved in 2015 are highlighted below:
Sea cucumber surveys: In-water sea cucumber surveys were conducted by WCS and
Department of Fisheries at nine sites across four districts in Bua Province, using standardized
protocols developed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). Sea cucumber diversity
and densities were calculated for tabu and adjacent open fishing areas. There was no significant
difference in sea cucumber densities between tabu and adjacent open fishing areas. Sea
cucumber densities in community fishing grounds are too low to result in successful
reproduction and recruitment. Diversity was also low, with less than 5 species recorded at most
sites. The results of the stock assessment and the value chain analysis (see Science section)
were shared with eight local communities during a “Sea Cucumber Roadshow” in August 2015.
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