1. PAPUA NEW GUINEA UNIVERSITY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND
ENVIRONMENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE NATIONAL FISHERIES COLLEGE.
‘POLICY OBJECTIVES OF THE MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND MARINE
RESOURCES IN SOLOMON ISLANDS AND HOW BEST IT HAS BEEN
ACHIEVED UNDER THE NCRA GOVERNMENT, 2011’.
Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management
ORGANIZATION
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
P.O Box G13, Honiara, Solomon Islands
Prepared by: David Piritasi Yeeting
Supervisor: Mr. Joseph Atkins
Co-Supervisor: Mr. Leon Hickie
2. 1
SUPERVISORY LIST
1. Mr. Joseph Atkins, Principal Policy Officer, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources,
P.O Box G13, Honiara, Solomon Islands, Phone: (+677) 39143 Fax: (+677) 38730
Email: jatkin@fisheries.gov.sb
2. Mr. Leon Hickie, Senior Policy Officer, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, P.O
Box G13, Honiara, Solomon Islands, Phone: (+677) 39143 Fax: (+677) 38730
3. 2
DECLARATION
I David Piritasi Yeeting certify and declare that the information in this report are derived,
subject to the authority of certain authorized policy officers from the Ministry of Fisheries and
Marine Resources in the Solomon Islands, and involve personal review without any assessment
previously made. Hence, solemnly declare that what is contained in this report are extracted
from the activities been supervised as well as information been collected while on the work
force except where due reference are cited.
_________________________ _______________________________
David Piritasi Yeeting (Student) Mr. Aisi S. Anas (Program Coordinator)
4. 3
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYUMS
CBFM Community Based Fisheries Management
EAFM Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
EGC(s) Economic Growth Centre(s)
FAD Fish Aggregating Device
FFA Forum Fisheries Agency
MCS Monitoring Control and Surveillance
MFMR Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
MGA Marine Group Archipelago
MSSIFP Mekem Strong Solomon Islands Fisheries Programme
NCRA National Coalition for Reform and Advancement
NGO(s) Non-Government Organization(s)
OFCF Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation
PDE Provincial Development Extension
PNA Parties to the Nauru Agreement
SICHE Solomon Islands College of Higher Education
SIFMPS Solomon Islands Fisheries and Marine Policy Statement
SIG Solomon Islands Government
SINAC Solomon Islands National Aquaculture Centre
VMS Vessel Monitoring System
5. 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGES
Supervisory List
Declaration
Acronyms and Abbreviations
1.0 INTRODUCTION 5
1.1 SOLOMON ISLANDS MAP 6
1.2 OBJECTIVES 7
2.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS 8
3.0 DISCUSSION 9
3.1 What are the current government policy statements under MFMR?
3.2 How did MFMR execute its work activities to achieve these policies? 10
3.3 How best did MFMR achieve these policies? 16
3.4 What are the loop holes in these policies? 21
4.0 SUMMARY/CONCLUSION 22
5.0 ACKNOWLEDGMENT 23
6.0 REFERENCES 24
7.0 APPENDICES 25
7.1 MFMR Organization Structure
7.2 Structure of “The State of environment report” 26
7.3 Policies Structure in the Solomon Islands 27
6. 5
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Being Independent, Solomon Islands sovereign rights portrays the true identity of one’s
supreme power and authority of its citizens and their wellbeing including the environment and
the natural resources in the air, land and sea respectively. What is more, the supremacy of the
country’s National Constitution is one that always sets the priorities and safeguards the
government and all citizens, which by no means should be challenged in anyway.
According to the Principles and National goals defined in the National Constitution, one
consciously implore that all citizens have the right to exploit all natural resources of the country
but with a mindset that though exploited beneficially, yet must be in a way that sustainable
management is imposed so that the benefits not only affects today but also posterity. As such,
management of inshore fisheries and marine resources development with the appropriate
policies and objectives are key constraints to improving the use and management of Pacific
Island nation’s fisheries and marine resources.
In recent years, the Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement Government (SIG) has
not had a national policy framework which clearly states policies and objectives to achieve the
purpose of the Fisheries Act 2009. Nor is there a clear understanding of how various marine
related regional and international treaties impact on the management of the Solomon Islands
fisheries and marine resources. The mix of inadequate national direction, absence of effective
policies and poor implementation has constrained SIG’s ability to sustainably manage its
fisheries and marine resources.
Most importantly, the Solomon Islands Fisheries and Marine Policy Statement (SIFMPS) have
developed a set of objectives and policies for the sustainable management of fisheries and
marine resources which meets the purpose and other requirements of the Fisheries Act 2009.
Although not a mandatory legal instrument, all stakeholders with an interest in fisheries and
marine resources management are strongly encouraged through information, education and
awareness programmes and other carefully designed incentives to give effect to the SIFMPS in
their activities and plans. It also plays a major role in providing immediate practical application
for the Solomon Islands Government as a tool to guide its discussions and negotiations with
donors and NGO’s. The primary piece of fisheries legislation in the Solomon Islands is the
Fisheries Act 1998.
8. 7
1.2 OBJECTIVES
What are the current government policy statements under MFMR?
How did MFMR execute its work activity to achieve these policies?
How best did MFMR achieve these policies?
What are the loop holes in these policies?
9. 8
2.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS
This review report is based primarily on the following sources; The Cooperate plan (2011-2013)
of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Solomon Islands, National Policy Concept
Papers, SIG fisheries policy translations, Management and policy papers, Feasibility Studies and
reports on current ongoing projects like the Wantok Project, the NCRA Government 2012 policy
statements and objectives, and as well as legal documents and legislations such as the Fisheries
Act 1998 and the Fisheries Amendment Regulations and Management Plans and the draft
Annual Report 2011.
In addition, the Library of the Ministry of Fisheries was utilized significantly. Face to face
interviews was also involved with some of the heads of related departments and projects like
the Provincial department, licensing and the Wantok project on the status of inshore and
offshore fisheries and how the changing government over time affects the National Policy and
Strategies of MFMR. Verbal contact during meetings and conferences attended during the 6
weeks attachment was also beneficial.
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3.0 DISCUSSION
3.1 WHAT ARE THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT POLICY STATEMENTS UNDER MFMR?
Policy Statement 1
The government will facilitate the building of fishery marketing infrastructures and the
establishment of a network directly connecting fishermen in the rural areas with the set in
Honiara. The fish are to be brought in from the fishing centers in strategic locations throughout
the country to Honiara in specially designed vessel for packing and air-freighting to target
markets overseas.
Policy Statement 2
Development of in-shore fishery facilities including aquaculture, especially mariculture, (e.g.
Fish, mud crab, pearl, seaweed) and other types of farming for subsistence and commercial
development for the benefit of coastal and atoll dwellers while at the same time encourage the
conservation of marine resources to ensure sustainable harvesting.
Policy Statement 3
Progress work on establishing fishing and fish processing companies at Suava Bay in Malaita
Province and Tenaru on Guadalcanal and explore the possibility of requiring Solomon Islands’
licensed fishing boats to supply certain percentage of their catches to the local cannery; Review
the conditions of access licenses granted to deep sea fishing associations with the view to
setting a time frame within which they must establish shore based facilities in Solomon Islands.
Policy Statement 4
Ensure that proper policies are put in place to oversee the commercial activities taking place
within this sector, such that vigilant surveillance (in conjunction with FFA) of our EEZ and
optimum returns from Solomon Islands marine resources, are realized.
Policy Statement 5
Review all fishing license fees in US dollars.
Policy Statement 6
Consider assisting the local fishermen with adequate resources as part of government’s effort
to involve the local people on the development of the fishery industry.
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3.2 HOW DID MFMR EXECUTE ITS WORK ACTIVITY TO ACHIEVE THESE POLICIES?
The Cooperate plan sets out the program for the next three years, and the targets the Ministry
of Fisheries and Marine Resources are committed to meet in each area of work. In this case,
improving of services for stakeholders while continuing to provide the enabling environment
for the development of the fisheries sector. In the recent years, MFMR had built efforts in both
inshore and offshore fisheries and has improved its revenue collection base whereby, many of
the stakeholders and partners believed that MFMR have improved greatly.
Over the next three years, MFMR will increase market access for rural fishers in the country and
will also grow livelihoods through sustainable coastal aquaculture development. As such, the
national aquaculture plan will provide guidance for MFMR in these undertakings. Furthermore,
the country’s resources must be utilized sustainably and so therefore, MFMR will be working to
improve health of the fisheries and marine resources, thereby earn more from the use of these
resources. In addition, MFMR will improve the country’s economy through sustainable fisheries
investments and also trust that all vessels fishing in Solomon Islands waters must conduct
themselves according to the laws, meaning that MFMR will have to strive to enforce the laws
fairly and effectively. To achieve these commitments, the ministry must build the capacity of its
staff and its partners hence will provide relevant capacity development to its staff and partners
in fisheries development. To deliver these priorities, the Ministry has developed four fisheries
programmes serviced by five key divisions. Through these, MFMR will then work through the
following priorities;
3.2.1. Improve market access for the rural fishers
The livelihoods and the social wellbeing of coastal and inland communities depend heavily on
markets being available for the fish harvested by these communities. Outlying provincial
communities have limited access to major population centers and even local markets because
of travel and poor handling of local seafood. MFMR will undertake studies on what is stopping
rural fishers from supplying markets such as Honiara and putting forward suggestions as to how
commercial and local fishers can work together to improve the livelihoods of rural
communities. This will be done through looking at fisheries marketing facilities and improving
interisland transportation systems. MFMR will also improve services to provinces, fishing
centers and rural communities including fishing gears and technology appropriate through a
Provincial fisheries development programme with active participation by local communities.
3.2.1.1 Improve fisheries marketing facilities and infrastructures.
In key population areas there are markets for local fish commodities. However, these markets
are overcrowded with poor sanitation, limited water supply and poor fish handling practices.
Coastal communities in outer islands have little opportunity for selling their fish commodities to
improve their income. MFMR will investigate the performance of the country’s main market
(Honiara central market), with the view to building an integrated strategy with other ministries
and stakeholders for improving facilities, training of fish buyers and sellers in post harvest
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handling of fish commodities and consideration of transport of fish from other Provinces. This
will be supported by marketing and trade strategies and databases. MFMR will also conduct
value chain analyses of key inshore commercial fisheries to improve understanding of sea to
table linkages and to provide a focus for policy and management activities.
3.2.1.2 Improve interisland transportation system
The nature of the Solomon Islands is large distances and numerous islands where fish
commodities are harvested. These are serious constraints for the development of commercial
fishing. Collection and distribution of fish to markets are keys to supplying the larger population
areas. The current arrangement for the transport of fish commodities is either by fishing boat
or ferries. Collection of product from numerous communities and transporting over large
distances is costly, with little incentive for commercial fishers to expand their activities. MFMR
will build a policy and strategic approach that involves the private sector in partnership
arrangements with fishers and local communities.
3.2.1.3 Improve fisheries services to provinces and rural communities
The SIG has an important strategy for economic growth and development in the provinces
through placing economic growth centers (EGC) in the provinces. MFMR will ensure the
integration of their fisheries programmes with that of the SIG, EGCs and provincial
development plans. The ability of community fishers to take advantage of improved fisheries
management and provision of fish aggregating devices (FADs) will be improved by providing
appropriate fishing gear and training if required. MFMR will develop fisheries centers in the
country to provide the services needed to promote growth and investment in community based
fisheries through integration of activities with that of Provincial governments. To undertake
such activities the Ministry, through its Provincial Fisheries Division will develop and implement
a Provincial Fisheries Development Programme built on participation by fisheries staff, donors,
Non-Government Organizations and communities.
3.2.2 Grow livelihoods through sustainable aquaculture development
There are considerable aquaculture development opportunities within the country which can
contribute significantly to increases in livelihoods and the nation’s economy. This potential is
yet to be fully realized with past development programmes focusing primarily on natural
fisheries. The Ministry will ensure policies and regulations provide an environment that is
conducive for sustainable aquaculture development and management. This has been
demonstrated with the development of the Solomon Islands National Aquaculture
Development Plan (2009-2014) and the nations Tilapia Aquaculture Action Plan (2010-2015).
The Solomon Islands National Aquaculture Centre (SINAC) has been recently built and
commissioned through funding support from OFCF. The initial hatchery component of the
SINAC will focus on the cultivation of sea cucumber for restocking. The development of this
facility will enable the ministry to further develop aquaculture programmes through applied
research, training and capacity building within the nation. The Ministry will further establish a
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“one stop-shop” service as a strategy to attract commercial investors into Aquaculture in the
Solomon Islands.
3.2.2.1 Progress aquaculture development of priority species
The Ministry in collaboration with various stakeholders has identified key potential aquaculture
commodities for development under the National Aquaculture Plan. The Ministry will continue
to expand and develop these priority commodities by building local capacity and encourage
partnership with local communities, commercial investors and with National, Regional and
International organizations. The Ministry believes in creating partnerships and collaboration to
implement its National Aquaculture Plan. The Ministry is putting in place appropriate
infrastructures, organizations, systems and building capacity of staff within the Ministry to
ensure the coordination and successful future development of aquaculture. New species will be
assessed and pilot programmes developed and expanded if suitable outcomes are produced.
3.2.2.2 Build a National Aquaculture Centre supporting the fisheries and marine
resources sector
The Solomon Islands National Aquaculture Centre (SINAC) has been recently built and
commissioned through funding support from OFCF and is located within the ministries Honiara
compound. The initial hatchery component of the SINAC will focus on the cultivation of
commercial Sea Cucumbers for restocking, however in the longer term the centre will be used
to further assess and develop additional species specific aquaculture programmes. The Ministry
will promote increased staff knowledge, skills and capacity to operate and manage this facility
are priority goals for the ministry over the next several years. Partnerships with local and
regional agencies to expand the activities of this facility will be developed.
3.2.2.3 Develop environmental risk assessment protocol for imported freshwater and
mariculture fish
The Ministry is taking into account bio-security as a high priority to avoid introduction of any
invasive species. Establishing appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks (including
infrastructure and equipments) will ensure preparedness to manage any risk associated with
this trade. Development of such framework will not be treated in isolation with development of
freshwater aquaculture and mariculture to meeting the MFMR National aquaculture goal(s).
3.2.3 Improve health of the fisheries and marine resources in the country
The right of Solomon Islands’ future generations to have access to marine resources depends
entirely on availability of marine resources and how successful the people of the country today
can manage and use their Resources well. With increasing pressure and threats from increasing
population and climate change, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management is
working in collaboration with its stakeholders to improve and secure health of the country’s
fisheries activities and marine resources through its inshore and offshore divisions. The Ministry
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has developed its National Inshore Strategy and captures priorities identified by the Ministry
under five pillars. Approaches will emphasize a multi-sectoral approach to implement the
principles of ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM). A similar approach has
been taken for the offshore fisheries division through a National offshore Fisheries Strategy.
Also the ministry is working in collaboration with its key stakeholders to build capacity among
communities to engage and manage their own resources. This initiative will be supported by
leadership and intuitional strengthening at all levels. Marketing opportunities for small scale
farmers and fishers is included within this strategy.
3.2.3.1 Improve health of the inshore fisheries resources
It is important that the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources implements the fisheries
component of the Inshore Strategy, as the policy document under the NCRA government, 2012
captures the national priorities and programmes that would support and meet the national
priority of “improve health of the inshore fisheries and marine resources”. The Ministry has
been strengthened through support by New Zealand Aid, and the OFCF programme by
construction of a new office complex and a national hatchery that are valuable infrastructure to
help meet priorities under the inshore strategy. Also, the re-structuring of the Ministry
organizational structure into having an inshore and provincial division will increase capacity to
meeting MFMR obligations. The Ministry will develop fishery management plans for key
commercial species and support the role-out of community based resource management plans
in selected provinces.
3.2.3.2 Improve health of the offshore fisheries resources
The Ministry will implement the fisheries component of the offshore fisheries Strategy, as the
policy document under the NCRA government captures the national priorities and programmes
that would support and meet the national priority of “improve health of the offshore fisheries
and marine resources”. Solomon Islands as a member of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement
(PNA) is obligated to implement agreed management measures for its tuna and tuna-like
fisheries. The Ministry, with support from MSSIF, will revise the current tuna management plan
and review the access and licensing arrangements for Solomon Islands fisheries waters.
3.2.3.3 Climate change impacts on fish stocks, fisheries and marine resources sector
are considered in the planning and management of Solomon Islands’ fisheries
The impacts of climate change on fisheries are real and cannot be ignored. An understanding of
the effects of climate change on coastal habitats, fish and therefore community livelihoods and
food security will be a major policy of the ministry. MFMR will work together with stakeholders,
communities, NGOs and donors to develop a policy on climate change affecting the fisheries
sector and consider what actions can be taken to offset or lessen those impacts where possible.
15. 14
What is more, MFMR must build the capacity of the people to deal with the impacts of climate
change and help build community resilience by a focus of building community awareness and
possible management options into community based fisheries programmes.
3.2.4 Grow the country’s economy through sustainable fisheries investments
To date, Solomon Islands have not reaped the maximum benefits from the exploitation of its
fisheries and marine resources. This is true with regards to their tuna resources. This happens
because a greater share of the annual catches are not landed and processed in the country. The
potential benefits to the country from onshore investment are substantial. A FFA study
estimated that just adding value alone to canned tuna can secure the country about US$50
million. However, many social and economic benefits and job opportunities come with onshore
operations. Onshore investments are to be given priority in the best interests of the nation.
With significant partners and stakeholders, MFMR will create an environment that is conducive
for investment and within this, enabling environment progress the development of the key
fisheries investment projects, thus triggering the economy of the country as a whole to grow to
new heights.
3.2.4.1 Progress the development of onshore processing facilities in Suafa Bay on
Malaita Province and Tenaru and Doma, on Guadalcanal province
No investment means no growth. The three fisheries projects in Suafa, Tenaru and Doma are
the obligation of MFMR to grow the economy. These projects will create jobs opportunities for
skilled Solomon Islanders and rural communities in the vicinity of these operations. Investment
in onshore operations requires the right economic environment. The SIG through MFMR needs
to provide incentives to beguile foreign and domestic investment in fish processing. In this case,
SIG therefore needs to provide the land, infrastructure and servicing services. Having these
onshore processing plants means that greater share of the tuna catches will be landed and
processed in the country thereby increasing the value of the country’s fish and accruing greater
benefits to the people as a whole.
3.2.4.2 Create a conducive and enabling environment for development of the fisheries
sector
The growth of Solomon Islands’ economy will rely heavily on achieving the benefits that can be
extracted from the fisheries resources within the country’s fisheries waters. Stocks of fisheries
species need to be managed in the context of regional agreements where appropriate and
MFMR will apply similar measures for the harvest of tuna and tuna-like species within territorial
and MGA waters. Hence, MFMR will address these management issues through a national tuna
management plan linked with a tuna investment strategy that provides incentives for onshore
development.
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3.2.5 Effective enforcement of fisheries laws in the country
The Ministry will develop and enforce appropriate regulations under the new Act providing the
best laws to manage the country’s precious resources. Effective licensing and other compliance
measures, VMS and observer programmes provide the basis for ensuring that management
arrangements are complied with ensuring the benefits of fisheries resources flow to the
country. The Ministry, through trained and experienced officers with clear sets of procedures,
ensures effective and fair enforcement of laws.
3.2.5.1 Improve legislative environment for fisheries management and development
The ability of MFMR to improve the returns from the fisheries and marine resources and meet
the challenges facing this sector means that an appropriate legislation needs to be put in place.
As a matter of fact, it will ensure that a new Fisheries Management Act 2011 with the powers
needed to manage the fisheries and marine resources is passed by Parliament. New legislation
means that MFMR will need to make changes to regulations to improve fisheries management
planning and stakeholder involvement in decision making.
3.2.6 Increase skills and knowledge of partners in fisheries development
Fisheries development is complex and long term requiring industry, government and foreign
investors and other stakeholders to work together. The partners in this process require a vast
array of knowledge of the pros and cons of increasing the activities within the fisheries and
marine resources sector. By working together they gain an understanding of the needs of each
other and learn during the process. However, a formal and structured approach is needed to
build the skill sets of partners. The role of the Ministry is to support and facilitate training,
mentoring and provide opportunities for improving competency of stakeholders to achieve the
skills and knowledge base need for fisheries development. The capacity development is
supported by the Mekem Strong Solomon Islands Fisheries Programme.
3.2.6.1 National Fisheries Capacity development strategy implemented
The fisheries and marine resources sector requires sound knowledge of the pros and cons of
increasing the activities within the fisheries and marine resources sector. By working together
they gain an understanding of the needs of each other and learn during the process. The
Ministry will provide opportunities for improving competency of stakeholders through the
Solomon Islands College of Higher Education (SICHE) and School of Marine and Fisheries Studies
by supporting appropriate courses. The ministry will be supported by the Mekem Strong
Solomon Islands Fisheries (MSSIF) programme.
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3.3 HOW BEST DID MFMR ACHIEVE THESE POLICIES?
From the 2010 annual report it was highlighted that the Ministry has improved a lot compared
to previous years in its effort to pursue the executions of the current government policies.
Some of these achievements discussed below are those reviewed from the annual report, 2011
draft.
3.3.1 Licensing activities and achievements
Offshore licenses
A total of 456 fishing vessels and related activities licenses were given out for 2010 (Table 1).
This consists of Purse seine, Tuna Longline, Shark Longline, Pole and Line, Carriers and Bunker
Vessels (Figure 2). These vessels were licensed through 5 Bilateral Access Partners, namely
Japan, Taiwan, Korea, European Union and New Zealand, 2 Locally Based Foreign Chartered
Fishing Vessel Companies namely Mako Fisheries Ltd and Global Investment Ltd, 1 Local
company which is National Fisheries Development Co. Ltd and 3 Shipping Agents, namely
Tradco Shipping, S.I Shipping Transport Services and Sullivans. Apart from these, two shore-
based processing companies were also licensed to process tuna.
Table 1. Type of arrangements, companies and the number of fishing vessels licensed during
2010 licensing period.
Arrangements company/Country Toatl
PS PL TunaLL SharkLL Carrier Bunker Scoutboat
Locallyregistered NFD 5 1 7 1 14
Charter GlobalInvestmentLTD 7 148 13 1 169
MakoFisheriesLTD 13 63 14 90
SouthSeasInvestment 2 1 3
Bilateral Japan 35 15 40 90
Korea 28 28
Taiwan 35 19 54
NewZealand 4 4
EuropeanUnion 4 4
Total 120 16 220 13 72 14 1 456
Typeofvessel
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Fig 2. Percentage of vessel gear type licensed during 2010 licensing period.
Inshore Licenses
Applications for all inshore licenses were considered through a sub-committee. During year
2010 a total of 30 registered companies were licensed. This comprised of both foreign and local
companies registered to operate in the country. These companies mainly focused their
operations in the purchasing, processing and exporting of Inshore Marine Products which
includes; Trochus Shells, Aquarium Traded species, dried shark fin, dried seaweed, reef fish,
dead clam shells, crayfish, processed button blanks and specific dead corals. Also in the same
year, a total of 1,130 export permits were issued which consist of Export Consignments, Permit
for consumption and samples.
3.3.2 Workshops & trainings
In 2010 some of the division’s officers attended 3 workshops/trainings (Table 2). For example,
the workshop on CITES Non-detriment findings for marine listed species which was held from
17th
to the 20th
May 2010 was attended by Selina Lipa while Titus Pidiri attended the Solomon
Islands National Tuna Data Workshop on Good Data, Good Decisions which was held on the 24th
of May to the 4th
of June 2010, and Lorraine Sam who attended the International Fisheries Law
training workshop at the University of Wollongong from 1st
to the 5th
November 2010. More
importantly, these workshops and trainings were held both locally and internationally.
26%
4%
48%
3%
16%
3% 0%
Percentage of Fishing Vessels/gear type Licenced for 2010
PS
PL
Tuna LL
Shark LL
Carrier
Bunker
Scout boat
19. 18
Table 2. Trainings attended by enforcement officers.
NO. OF STAFF
TRAINED
TYPE OF TRAINING INSTITUTION
CONDUCTING TRAINING
FUNDING
AGENCY
1 Law of the Sea
Maritime Regulation and
Enforcement
Australian National
Centre for Ocean
Resources and Security
(ANCORS)-Wollongong
University, Australia
Solomon
Islands
Government
1 Leadership for Fisheries
Management
Coastal Resource Center
(CRC)-University of
Rhode Island (URI), USA
USAID, through
Coral Triangle
Initiative (CTI)
2 Major Crime
Investigation (Integrity)
Regional Assistance
Mission to Solomon
Islands
AUSAID,
through RAMSI
1 Prevention of Illegal
Wildlife Trade
Auspecies of the Oceania
Customs Organization
(OCO) Secretariat
The Pacific
Security Fund
1 Bachelor of Arts- Marine
Affairs and Management
The University of South
Pacific (USP)
AUSAID
3.3.3 Monitoring control and surveillance activities and achievements
Fisheries officers responsible for Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) are heavily
involved with certain important objectives. These objectives are such as policing the countries
EEZ for non compliance fishing activities, to monitor fishing vessels in EEZ in near real time
positions, to enforce Fisheries legislations for sustainable utilization of natural resources,
monitoring transshipment activities, to data on catches by vessels by day as agreed by PNA,
collect scientific data and compliances activities and as well as collecting samples for scientific
analysis. Some of these achievements came about through sea inspection and port inspection.
For example, in 2010 the Solomon Island Police maritime and surveillance center conducted sea
patrols for a total of 16 days. This includes a total of 237 hours of operation which covers 2,342
nautical miles of the Solomon Islands EEZ. In addition to that, a total of 434 vessels were
inspected in 2010 (Table 3). This includes both locally and internationally flagged vessels. These
vessels entered Solomon Island’s port purposely for transshipment, mechanical or medical
reasons. Inspections also include the checking of the VMS onboard these vessels and were all to
be in compliance with VMS requirements operational all throughout the year.
Table 3. Number of vessels and their flag state that were inspected by boarding officers in
2010.
Type of vessel PS LL CV Total
Number of vessel 257 82 95 434
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3.3.4 Provincial development and extension division achievements
Conversely, the Provincial Development and extension Sections’ primary activities comprise of
facilitation of Suafa (Table 4) and Tenaru Loining Factory Project (Table 5) which includes; a)
Implementation of Inshore Strategy (Pillars), b) Promote and Advocate for sustainable
resources management through Community Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) and c)
Promote substitute for sustainable livelihood through use of inshore FAD’s for catching fishing.
Finally, coordinate and provide technical assistance for repair and maintenance of Rural
Fisheries Center and equipment, training and education for provinces and Headquarters. In its
achievements, MFMR went through acquisition processes and have surveyed ten hectares of
land in which only the registration and vesting in as part of the process are the last bit to be
completed. On the other hand, especially for Tenaru Tuna Loining as shown in Table 5, the
major achievements came about from the results of the Land as it has been now re-allocated
for fisheries development significantly.
Table 4. Onshore development activities and status for Suafa Tuna Loining factory in Malaita
Table 5. Onshore development activities and status for Tenaru Tuna Loining factory in Guale.
Further achievements are through the activities involved in the implementation of the inshore
strategy or pillars as known and are listed below;
a. First consultation with Malaita Provincial Government official on the Malaita Fisheries
development plan;
b. First consultation with World Fish and Provincial Fisheries on the drafting of the
Western Provincial Fisheries Ordinance;
c. First consultation with Choiseul Provincial Government on the drafting of the Choiseul
Fisheries Ordinance;
d. The final Fisheries Workshop with Chupikopi Community (Western Province) before
adopt a management plan (MPA); and
Activity Stakeholder Status
Display of Letter of no appeal Lands /MFMR/Lands/ Malaita Done
Technical Land survey MFMR / Province / Lands Done
Land Registration and Transfer MLH / Malaita / LO Pending
Ground breaking MFMR/Landowners/Lands / Malaita Province Pending
Company consultation meeting with
MFMR/ Malaita on proposal
MFMR/ Tri-marine Company / Landowner Pending
Activity Stakeholder Status
Re- establishment of pecks Lands /MFMR/Lands/ Guale Done
Handover of Land to MFMR Landowners/ MFMR / Guale Done
Company consultation meeting with
MFMR/ Malaita on proposal
MFMR / Frabell First visit
Project Design by company Frabell / MFMR Pending
21. 20
e. Formation of GERUSU management Group.
Table 6. Summaries of achievements for 2010 (Extracted from the draft Annual Report, 2010).
PROVINCES AND
FISHERIES CENTER
ACHIEVEMENTS (YR-2010)
Malaita Facilitate the development of the Provincial Fisheries
Strategy/Plan.
The Province last year 2010 review and develop its ordinance
Fisheries Center implement community base management plans
in Lau, Langalanga and other Interested Coastal communities.
Development and implementations of fads in the province as
required for year 2010-2012.
Isabel Repair Buala Ice Machine. MOU to lease Bahana Fisheries Center
to Zabana tribe trustees, then it was forwarded to the Chair man
on 26 March 2010.
The Principal Officer (PFO) attended Anarvon community Marine
Conservation Area Management in Honiara February 2010.
Fisheries officers attended IPAM Training Seminar. PFO attended
a workshop in Honiara last year.
The Fisheries center at Buala with a total volume of fish-435.5 kg.
Tataba Fisheries Center sale fish in Honiara and locally for a
volume of fish 616.5.kg Bahana purchase and sole fish at a total
volume of 3,370.5kg.
Makira The fisheries Centers, the Piapia and Teheramo Fisheries Propose
solar pilot power Project.
Materials obtain from Honiara
Returns from sale of fish and ice, 26,943.00
Guadalcanal No submission of reports for last year 2010 for annual review
Rehabilitation of Marau Center by OFCF and PGSP
Western Achieve the monetary budget.
2010, implementation of fads.
Achieve a workshop conducted for staffs.
Continuation of fish market survey.
Rennell & Bellona No submission of reports for last year 2010 for annual review.
Central (Ngela) No submission of reports for last year 2010 for annual review
Rehabilitation and restoration of Semege and Tulagi
Choiseul No submission of reports for last year 2010 for annual review
Temotu Installation of generator, Stakeholders Consultation, workshop
on Fisheries and Marine Resources Management, Development
of Ordinance, conducted workshop for fishermen.
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Table 6 above summarizes the achievements of the Provincial Development and Extension
Division from the fisheries centers and headquarters within the nine provinces of Solomon
Islands in 2010.
3.4 WHAT ARE THE LOOP HOLES IN THESE POLICIES?
Loop holes of these policies
The Solomon Islands does not produce a “State of the Environment Report” or similar national
environmental reporting document. In fact there are no statutory requirements for
Government departments or other Organizations to undertake any form of national
environmental monitoring and/or reporting. The Solomon Islands desperately requires a better
understanding of the wider ecosystem effects of human activities on the marine environment.
Without accurate and reliable information about fisheries and the ocean, it will be extremely
difficult to develop and implement sound policy and management decisions. The “fingers
crossed” mode of managing fisheries/oceans is defunct and no longer acceptable (Kopa, 2008).
Sustainably managed fisheries are heavily reliant on information to assist decision makers
balance a wide range of values including economic, social, cultural and environmental.
In addition, MFMR considers that a tool for assessing the state of Solomon Islands
fisheries/ocean is urgently required. Its Strategic Plan emphasize that it is taking a
precautionary approach to develop Solomon Islands fisheries sustainably, which incorporates
ecosystems based management. Hence, the key component of both the precautionary
approach and the ecosystem management are; accurate and reliable information. Without this,
MFMR cannot identify environmental impacts, set realistic targets, assess progress, detect past
errors, or objectively weigh economic and environmental values. More importantly, there is no
way to know whether policy initiatives or fisheries and marine resource management
approaches are effective over time.
What is more, the principle piece of legislation governing the management, conservation,
development and sustainable use of Solomon Islands’ resources rests solely with the current
Fisheries Act 1998. The current Act is outdated and does not cater for a lot of developments
that is taking shape within the development framework of the fisheries resources. MFMR in this
case is not able to execute some of its work activities when the current act needs to be
updated, thus seen as one of the major loop holes in these policies. Furthermore, some of the
areas of on-shore developments to which the government is referring to, is a dream far from
being achieved. As a matter of fact, the government in such case does not create the right
environment to which interested investors will operate within. In addition, has left a lot of
outstanding issues of land disputes that are yet to be resolved affecting the capacity to develop
these sites, creating loop holes in these policies. Conditions and access agreements are issued
to both joint-venture companies and foreign fishing companies and yet are very low compared
to those of other Pacific Island countries. Unless the MFMR reviews its current Fisheries Act,
the review of these licenses to an amount that these policies are referring to will not be
23. 22
achieved. Finally, the government is not prepared to assist local fishermen with resources that
will enable them to participate in the developments of the fishery industry after all.
4.0 SUMMARY/CONCLUSION
To facilitate the ability of the Ministry to achieve the outcomes expected by the SIG and the
requirements of the Fisheries Management Act 2011, there needs to be clarity on activities to
be undertaken to meet the challenges facing the fisheries and marine resources sector and how
that work is serviced by the Ministry. In this case, through the fisheries programmes for a
strategic approach for MFMR workplans. For example, the establishments of fisheries
programmes such as the; inshore and offshore fisheries management, provincial fisheries
development and aquaculture development, and another is by an Organization structure for an
effective and efficient service delivery framework to service these programmes (refer to
appendix 7.1). As such, the MFMR Organization structure utilizes its five key divisions to deliver
the services for the four fisheries programmes mentioned previously. These includes; Fisheries
Management, Fisheries and Aquaculture development, Provincial Fisheries, Fisheries
Operations and lastly, Cooperate Services (MFMR Cooperate Plan, 2011-2013).
Other than the SIG Translation and Implementation Framework document, the Solomon Islands
does not have a coherent national policy statement which clearly communicates its policies and
objectives for the sustainable management of fisheries and marine resources. The lack of
national direction and appropriate polices is one of the contributors to the Solomon Islands
inability to realize the full potential of its fisheries and marine resources. Further, in the
absence of any real environmental reporting there is no way to know whether policy initiatives
or fisheries and marine resource management approaches are effective over time, and once
again, sustainably managed fisheries are heavily reliant on information to assist decision
makers balance a wide range of values including economic, social, cultural and environmental.
Finally, Solomon Islands needs a stable government with transparency and corruption free
system to fulfill the country’s national objectives in the constitution, whereby confidence can
be built from the people and that utilization of the country’s resources can be sustainably
managed and follows the targeted policy objectives and strategies of MFMR as a whole. As a
matter of fact, trying to avoid fluctuations and changes in these policy objectives and strategies
as new government changes from time to time as well. One can say that only strategies change
as government changes and not policy objectives, but I will say that strategies are influenced by
policy objectives and so therefore, any changes in the government will likely result in definitely
affecting the policy objectives of MFMR significantly.
24. 23
5.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It is with much appreciation and sincere gratitude to those who have contributed in one way or
the other in the completion and success of this review report write up. The time and effort
sacrificed are highly valued to those people who have shared their knowledge in this success
and I would like to first of all, give credit to the huge support and kindness of the Ministry of
Fisheries and Marine Resources in Solomon Islands for giving me the opportunity to be part of
them and experience much of what it is significant for in the country during the 6 weeks
attachment with them. In addition to that, thank you very much for also providing the office
library and space to access the relevant information for this report write up as well.
Further acknowledgement and special thanks to the Principal Policy Officer, Mr. Joseph Atkins
and Senior Policy Officer, Mr. Leon Hickie for assisting and supervising me in the policy unit
department during the attachment. Furthermore, for providing me with authority to access
some of the confidential and all relevant information vital to the completion of this review
report successfully.
I would also like to extend my huge words of thanks and appreciation to Mr. Aisi S. Anas
(Course Coordinator) for organizing the 6 weeks attachment and for his encouragement and
advice including provision of most of the relevant information needed for the securing of the
attachment with MFMR.
Likewise, to my friends and fellow colleagues, Fred Saferusi, Jack Tabaa’mae, John mark Osikalia
and Emmy Musuota for their supportive ideas and encouragement to complete this review
report in time with much success at the end.
Lastly, to my families overseas and in the country for being there for me at times I needed them
the most and also for their huge support and encouragement to never give up but to continue
working, that this review report has reached its completion in the end with great success.
Once again, thank you very much and may God bless you all.
25. 24
6.0 REFERNCES
Fa’asili, U. (2006). Establishment of Solomon Islands National Community-Based
Fisheries Management Programme, Preliminary Study. SPC.
Kopa, L.H. (2008). Solomon Islands Fisheries and Marine Policy Statement and the State
of Fisheries/Oceans Report. Concept Note, 17th
June, 2008.
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, 2011. Annual report draft 2011.
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, 2011. Cooperate Plan for 2011-2013.
MFMR. (2010). Solomon Islands National Strategy for the Management of Inshore
Fisheries and Marine Resources 2010-2012. Solomon Islands Government. Supported by
New Zealand Aid Programme and The World Fish Center.
PacLII. Solomon Islands System of Government Information.
URL: http://www.paclii.org/sb/government.html (Date cited; 2nd
May, 2012).
The Fisheries Act 1998. Solomon Islands Government.
27. 26
7.2 STRUCTURE OF THE “STATE OF ENVIRONMENT REPORT”.
Theme structure of report
The report uses the following format for each theme (where appropriate):
Introduction: Describes natural resources and information related to this theme and explains the
significance or importance of these resources to the environment, society and the economy.
Objectives: Outlines broad environmental goals relevant to the theme and the environmental values for
the natural resource.
Headline indicators: High-level indicators that provide a summary measure of the progress towards
meeting the objectives.
Overall condition: Summarises the general condition of the environment relevant to the theme.
Effectiveness: A summary of the progress and effectiveness of government actions that arose from State
of the Environment Report: Western Australia 1998.
Suggested responses: Recommends responses (i.e. policy, on-ground action, strategies) to address
environmental condition.
Emerging or outgoing issues: An emerging issue is a minor issue with potential to be a problem in the
future, or it has little current information available about it. An outgoing issue is an issue that previously
appeared in the State of the Environment Report: Western Australia 1998 but is no longer considered a
major environmental problem.
Issue structure
The format for each environmental issue is as follows:
Priority rating: A five-level score assigned by the EPA to represent the priority of the environmental issue
to WA. A priority rating of "1" indicates a top priority environmental issue.
Indicative extent: A map representing areas of WA that is affected by the issue.
Key findings: Summary dot points which highlight the major findings.
Description: Describes the issue.
Objectives: Outlines the specific objectives for addressing the environmental issue. Often these
statements are based on existing policy documents.
Condition: Summarises what is known about the current status and trend of the issue's impact on the
environment. This section may include indicators.
Pressures: Identifies the key processes that cause the issue. This section may include indicators.
Current responses: Summarises the current major community and government actions (i.e. policy, on-
ground action, strategies) that have been implemented to address the issue. This section may include
indicators.
Implications: Identifies the social, environmental and economic consequences of the issue.
Suggested responses: Recommends responses (i.e. policy, on-ground action, strategies) to address the
issue.
