Fisheries development strategy for developing Pacific Island Countries: Case study of Tuvalu

Fisheries are valuable resources for developing Pacific Island Countries. It is critical for these countries to establish a strategy for the development of coastal (artisanal) and offshore fisheries (access agreements). Tuvalu, a Pacific island microstate, consists of nine coral atolls with 26 km2 of land and 0.9 million km2 of exclusive economic zones. Fishing access fees are the second largest source of capital for the government. This study reviews the development history of Tuvaluʹs coastal fisheries and focuses on the political, social and economic impacts on Tuvalu of fisheries access agreements. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis was performed to develop a strategy by which Tuvalu can maximize its revenues from fisheries. To develop its coastal fisheries, Tuvalu should consult with local communities and make good use of fisheries access fees to invest in coastal fisheries. To maximize the benefit of access agreements, limitation in the number of fishing vessels, tuna prices, information sharing with other Pacific Island Countries should be considered to help with negotiation. In addition, more conservation regulations and monitoring actions should be taken to strengthen the management system to ensure marine resources sustainability.