From paper logs to AI-assisted measurement: an offline-capable mobile app is reshaping how Pacific countries collect, share and use coastal fisheries data.
Genetic sampling on a regional scale to manage climate uncertainty
Genetic sampling replaces traditional tags. In two years, SPC scaled the sampling effort more than sixteen-fold — and identified the first South Pacific albacore kin-pairs.
Climate change introduces significant uncertainty into tuna stock assessments. Increased temperatures and shifting prey distributions are expected to drive tuna into new patterns — eastward and away from the tropics. More sophisticated science is needed to help Pacific nations navigate this uncertainty.
Close-Kin Mark Recapture (CKMR) replaces physical tags with bioinformatics: tiny genetic samples are used to identify kin-pairs (parent, offspring or half-sibling) from their genetic signatures. From 2023, under the Climate Science for Ensuring Pacific Tuna Access (CSEPTA) programme funded by New Zealand MFAT, SPC scaled CKMR rapidly — hiring sub-regional coordinators in Solomon Islands, Samoa, FSM and Fiji, and five specialist port samplers.
From 2023 levels, CKMR samples grew 1,631% by 2025. Collection expanded from two countries to ten PICTs (FJ, FM, KI, MH, NC, PF, PNG, SB, TO, WS) plus New Zealand and Westport, USA. Over the last two years CKMR has accounted for 65% of all contributions to the Pacific Marine Specimen Bank. 320 people have been trained (38 women, 282 men); their cohort alone is responsible for 73% of CKMR samples collected in 2023–24. 2025 saw the first identified South Pacific albacore kin-pairs.
Regional collaboration was the key to scale. SPC staff based across the region, supported by sub-regional offices, were essential to managing fragile genetic samples across vast distances. When packaging protocols changed mid-2024, partners adapted within one month. The conversion from trained samplers to active samplers is still only 18% — SPC is working with PICTs to better target training and engage observer coordinators.
From science to information to action — anchored by a landmark US$107.4M GCF investment
FAME’s science is becoming the credibility ticket for Pacific nations seeking climate finance — and the Climate Intelligence System is now operational.
Heatwaves, rising seas and more intense cyclones are disrupting Pacific fisheries, aquaculture and marine habitats. Coastal fish stocks and biomass are projected to decline across all PICTs by 2050, especially under higher-emission scenarios. Shifts in tuna distribution affect abundance, recruitment and catches. Yet only a small fraction of global climate finance reaches fisheries — and small Pacific administrations face accountability and technical barriers to accessing funds like the Green Climate Fund.
In 2025 FAME published the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Pacific Islands Region — with national chapters offering country-level projections and EEZ-level impacts. The Assessment was launched at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. FAME’s tuna climate work is anchored by the Climate Intelligence System: data collection (including CKMR biological sampling), advanced modelling tools like SEAPODYM, and practical advice for governments. SPC is also developing the Pacific’s first dedicated Climate Change Strategy for Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture — endorsed by Ministers at RFMM6 in Niue.
In 2025 the GCF committed US$107.4 million for the Regional Tuna Programme — the first major climate finance dedicated to Pacific fisheries adaptation. The earlier US$7.9m Adaptation Fund Resilient Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture in Nauru project (from 2023) demonstrated the model. SPC advised Tonga on its Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Strategy, and Solomon Islands on its National Tuna Fisheries Climate Change Adaptive Strategy 2026–2031.
Robust science is more than data — it is what gives Pacific nations credibility when seeking climate finance. There is strong momentum to mainstream climate change into fisheries policies, but lasting change takes sustained support. Close collaboration with FFA remains key.
Supporting data collection and science for coastal fisheries
From paper logs to AI-assisted measurement: an offline-capable mobile app is reshaping how Pacific countries collect, share and use coastal fisheries data.
Coastal fisheries are a vital source of food, income and identity for Pacific Island communities. But the complexity of species, points of sale and exchange makes timely data collection hard — and paper-based methods risk loss and inaccuracy. Without a standardised approach, management decisions often relied on anecdotal evidence.
First released in 2020 through the Pacific–European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP), Ikasavea was built by SPC for fisheries officers and surveyors. It works offline, syncs to a central web portal, and uses AI on photographs taken on calibrated mats to estimate weight, length and species — removing the bottleneck of manual ID in the field. From an initial focus on market surveys it has expanded to support landing, socio-economic and community surveys, and biological sampling.
Samoa now runs weekly market surveys feeding directly into national GDP statistics. Kiribati transitioned from manual creel surveys to digital. In Fiji, market teams have eliminated 2–3 days of weekly Excel entry. PNG’s National Fisheries Authority transitioned in 2022 and 2024 impact evaluations confirmed improved capacity, sustainability and monitoring. Solomon Islands began Honiara market surveys in 2023, supporting management of regulated species. Over half of recent measurements are AI-processed from photos.
Successful adoption depends on tailoring support, modules and workflows to each PICT’s unique fisheries sector. Hands-on training with ongoing troubleshooting has been crucial. Sharing data back with communities fosters trust and sustains engagement — especially when benefits are equitably distributed.
Gender, equity and social inclusion at the heart of Pacific fisheries
Eight years of PEUMP made SPC a regional leader on gender and fisheries — handbooks, country analyses, training, and now a vodcast.
Between 2017–2025 the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership promoted sustainable fisheries management and ocean governance through a holistic approach. Gender, equity and social inclusion (GESI) and human rights were an overarching objective. Through EU and Swedish funding totalling €45 million, PEUMP established SPC as a leader in applied research at the intersection of gender and fisheries.
PEUMP funded country-based gender and fisheries analyses in five PICTs (Kiribati, FSM, Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Tuvalu) and co-developed seven country fact sheets with world-class academic institutions. SPC produced the 2020 Pacific Handbook for GESI in Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture (1,200+ downloads), the 2023 Pacific Handbook for Human Rights, GESI in Tuna Industries (800+ downloads), and in 2025 research on gender-based violence in Pacific fisheries. In September 2025, SPC published the Navigating Gender and Social Inclusion in Fisheries Communication vodcast.
822 people have received PEUMP-funded GESI and human rights training. Solomon Islands MFMR established a GESI technical group following training. The University of the South Pacific used the GESI handbook as a key reference for designing its ‘Gender and Environment’ unit. FFA hired a GESI and Labour Standards Advisor after partnering with PEUMP on the tuna handbook. The Tuvalu Fisheries Authority is using the handbook to respond to issues relating to fisheries crew.
Strong relationships within and outside SPC were crucial — the close working relationship between SPC FAME and Human Rights & Social Development helped harness resources. Externally, PEUMP built wide partnerships and inclusive networks including Locally Managed Marine Areas Fiji. Phase 2 will continue championing GESI through targeted research on gaps and needs identified in Phase 1.
Certificate IV builds a Pacific MCS&E pipeline; 96% of graduates report improved work performance
A six-month vocational qualification has become the backbone of a Pacific compliance workforce — with 41 new participants in 2024 alone.
A culture of compliance is key to sustainable coastal fisheries management. But challenges remain: limited enforcement capacity, unclear rights and multiple resource users. Strengthening compliance requires well-trained, capable enforcement officers, stakeholder engagement and education.
Since 2018, SPC and the University of the South Pacific have delivered the Certificate IV in Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Compliance. The six-month course equips participants with monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement (MCS&E) skills through hands-on training — market inspections, case file preparation, community consultations. Graduates earn a regionally recognised vocational qualification. In 2024–25 SPC is undertaking a comprehensive course review.
167 participants (74 women, 93 men) from 11 PICTs have completed Certificate IV since 2018. Demand grew significantly in 2024 with 41 new participants. Follow-up studies show 96% of graduates believe their work performance has improved. In 2024, graduates were brought back as mentors.
To ensure a robust pipeline, in 2025 SPC and Palau Community College will launch the Professional Certificate in Community Fisheries Compliance (Certificate III) — foundational training for community-level professionals.
Hands-on capacity building takes GESI from training room to ministerial agenda
From a 10-community gender analysis to GESI training, to MFMRD reporting to the regional Heads of Fisheries meeting — Kiribati shows the pipeline of evidence to policy.
In 2024 SPC continued to support gender equality in Kiribati’s fisheries sector through the PEUMP programme. The work followed a 2023 gender analysis in 10 communities — extending into integration of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) into national fisheries management.
A three-day GESI training was delivered to 22 MFMRD staff (14 women, 8 men). SPC also supported over 60 focus group discussions with 488 fishers (246 women, 242 men), and key informant interviews. The findings informed national policy and were presented by MFMRD’s Coastal Fisheries Director at the regional 16th Heads of Fisheries meeting in April 2024.
Post-training evaluation: all 22 participants reported they gained new knowledge, and 93% reported a clearer understanding of integrating GESI into their work. The 2024 presentation at the regional Heads of Fisheries meeting signalled Kiribati’s commitment to gender equity. With SPC guidance, MFMRD staff now lead gender-responsive initiatives such as forming women’s fisheries organisations and using GESI tools in community engagement.
Hands-on capacity building and stakeholder-driven approaches are key to ensuring gender-inclusive fisheries management remains a priority in 2025 and beyond.
PFLP Phase 1 closed with promotions, 96% knowledge gains, and Phase 2 funded
A regional leadership pipeline closed Phase 1 over-target — and 67% of those promoted into senior roles were women.
The Pacific Fisheries Leadership Programme (PFLP) set out to build a regional pool of current and emerging leaders capable and confident to address Pacific fisheries priorities. Phase 1 targeted officers and middle and senior managers in PICT fisheries sectors.
Led by a consortium including SPC, PFLP delivered a mix of courses, coaching and workshops through an adaptive, hybrid model. SPC played a key role in capacity building.
Phase 1 empowered 419 fisheries professionals across 17 PICTs — surpassing targets and creating a strong regional network. 96% reported increased leadership knowledge. 28 professionals within the programme secured promotions, 67% of whom are women.
PFLP’s success secured funding for a second phase starting in 2025, with SPC’s FAME planning monitoring, evaluation and learning team leading the MEL design. Phase 2 aims to expand impact beyond individuals and organisations to influence national and regional fisheries priorities.
Safety equipment, painted hulls and anchored FADs are saving lives in FSM
Sea safety becomes a whole-of-community responsibility — and 8 stranded drifting FADs are removed from coral reefs.
In Pohnpei and across the Pacific, coastal fisheries are central to community livelihood — and safety at sea becomes a whole-of-community responsibility. Innovation is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of coastal communities.
SPC, NORMA, OFA and MRO worked together: 150 boats received sea safety equipment, 50 boats were painted orange for visibility, awareness materials and community training were widely distributed. 9 anchored FADs (aFADs) were deployed; data from 149 stranding events of drifting FADs (dFADs) were collected, with 8 dFADs removed from coral reefs.
The drifting and anchored FADs produced valuable regional data on FADs in the Pacific, their benefits and drawbacks, and helped set up sustainable fishing practices for local communities. Strong community engagement — painting boats, registering vessels, reporting stranding events, building and deploying community FADs — drove changes in attitudes and behaviour around sea safety. Lives were saved.
Strong community engagement is what made this project sustainable. The project will continue monitoring and deploying aFADs across other islands of FSM, monitoring FAD stranding events, and advocating for sea safety.
Tufman 2 — eight years of building the Pacific’s tuna data backbone
Eight years to replace localised Microsoft Access servers with a single, secure, web-based tuna database — now the system of choice across 18 PICTs plus the Philippines and Vietnam.
While most industries moved to web-based software in the mid-2000s, Pacific fisheries databases remained localised, MS Access-based systems — effective but difficult to maintain. The Pacific Ocean hosts the world’s largest and most geographically sparse tuna fishery, and managing its data was critical for stock assessments.
SPC spent three years building and rolling out an initial web-based fisheries system, then consolidated several legacy applications. Timeline: Tufman 2 coded from 2014 · piloted 2015 in Cook Islands, FSM and Marshall Islands · widely rolled out 2016 · observer module 2017 · companion apps OnBoard, OnShore, Ollo from 2017–2020 · VMS data added 2021 · rollout complete in 2022 across 20 countries.
All operational Pacific tuna fisheries data is in one place, centrally managed within Tufman 2. The software performs automated data quality checks. A 2022 survey of users found 80% have better access to data, 81% have fewer bugs and 95% report better security. It is also the chosen system for the Philippines, Vietnam and the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna over national and commercial alternatives. The data underpins policymaking, management plans, fisheries enforcement and revenue negotiations.
Continuity of team and technical excellence enabled the expansion and improvement of the software. Close collaboration between SPC and members has been essential to incorporate user feedback. SPC will continue development to keep pace with e-reporting and e-monitoring.
Two decades of Benefish studies — and the first to factor in COVID-19 and climate
The first Benefish to factor in COVID-19 and climate change — and the first co-authored by a Pacific marine science graduate.
Fisheries and aquaculture are vital to Pacific Island economies. High-quality information is critical to enabling sustainable management and informing investment and decision-making at all levels. Two decades ago the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Australian government, SPC and FFA initiated the Benefish study series to improve information regarding Pacific fisheries.
Since 2001 SPC has supported the Benefish series with technical and coordination support. SPC commissioned and published the third and fourth studies in 2016 and 2023 respectively. Benefish 4 examines the economic and social contributions of fisheries and aquaculture to PICTs — for the first time addressing COVID-19 and climate change impacts. It estimates production values and volumes for six fisheries categories across 22 PICTs. A series of policy briefs were also produced.
Benefish 4 highlights three major findings: (i) the need for stronger dialogue between national fisheries agencies and national statistics offices; (ii) a significant rise in access fees for foreign fishing from 2007 to 2021; and (iii) a notable decrease in per capita fish supply from coastal fisheries during the same period. Co-authored by a University of the South Pacific marine science graduate, the study also strengthened Pacific capacity to prepare future editions.
A comprehensive cost assessment and using the same consultant for consistency were critical for efficiency. Building trust with PICTs to support data collection and sharing was equally imperative.
Youth ambassadors, viral video, and a regional dialogue — three ways community voices shape Pacific fisheries
Pacific value of guardianship, expressed through radio podcasts, the most viral SPC video series ever, and a structured channel for community voices to reach Pacific leaders.
Today’s youth will be tomorrow’s leaders. Across the Pacific, community voices have not always been empowered to advocate for change — yet as custodians of marine resources their voices are vital for decision-making.
Three connected initiatives: (1) Vhalik — SPC partnered with the University of New Caledonia, New Caledonian Fisheries Authorities and radio station NC1ère to train 17 university students as Youth Ambassadors of sustainable fishing, producing 17 radio podcasts aired on the country’s most-listened station. (2) Guardians of the Pacific — a 2022 video series featuring community champions from eight PICTs, distributed via social media. (3) Community-Based Fisheries Dialogue (CBFD2) — a structured platform for CSOs and non-state actors to bring community voices to the Heads of Fisheries and Regional Fisheries Ministers meetings.
Guardians of the Pacific reached 500,000+ views — the most viral SPC online content. In Papua New Guinea, local networks of New Ireland organised community consultations using the videos via WhatsApp groups; two women showed the videos in their village and started management action. CBFD2 in 2022 gave 26 representatives from civil society, local communities and non-state actors a structured channel into regional policy. NC1ère reaches 70,000 daily listeners — a quarter of New Caledonia’s population.
Authenticity drives connection — genuine, personal stories let viewers resonate with the value they represent. Youth engagement is a breakthrough lever. Social media has unexpected power to share champions’ stories across the region.
Ten years of patient regional work culminates in a landmark for the world’s largest tuna fishery
After ten years of building consensus across 40+ WCPFC members, a harvest strategy for skipjack tuna passed in Da Nang — a globally significant management reform.
Harvest strategies are frameworks and rules for fishery practices in a region — the international best practice for sustainable fisheries management. But they are notoriously hard to develop and implement, particularly in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) which has 40+ members and cooperating non-member countries. Facilitating agreement was an enormous challenge.
Since 2012, SPC has worked alongside PICTs, FFA, PNA and New Zealand-funded partners with WCPFC, promoting the benefits of harvest strategies for tuna fisheries. The communication and technical work spanned a decade.
At the WCPFC meeting in Da Nang, Vietnam in 2022, a proposal was passed for a harvest strategy for skipjack tuna. This decision for the largest tuna fishery in the world guarantees the ongoing sustainability of skipjack stock, while improving the transparency and effectiveness of management in the Pacific. It is the first step in a historic and globally significant management reform for WCPO tuna fisheries.
The breakthrough is a testament to SPC’s oceanic fisheries programme — not only the technical and scientific work, but the capacity building that allowed members to feel confident in driving the harvest strategy approach.