Vanuatu National Fisheries Sector Policy 2016-2031.

In the Vanuatu National Fisheries Sector Policy 2016–2031 the Ministry responsible for fisheries and its partners take charge in delivering assistance to support the fisheries sector to achieve its target activities over the next 15-year period. The policy highlights priorities in this sector and sets out key strategic actions to address these challenges. This sector policy is in line with other policy documents, such as the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP), the Overarching Productive Sector Policy (2012–2017), and should be read with all other relevant fisheries policies. This policy focuses on improving: 1) fisheries governance, and sustainable and economically viable fisheries and aquaculture; 2) access to finance, improved infrastructures, market access, seafood safety and value-adding; and 3) sustainable growth, employment, food security and livelihood. The policy recognises and promotes gender equality, the participation of vulnerable groups in fisheries, and strengthens partnerships, collaboration and networking.
This policy seeks to coordinate the fisheries management, development and conservation activities of existing fisheries management plans, and the linkages to high-level strategies and monitoring programmes in the fisheries sector. Management challenges to prevent IUU fishing are a demonstration of its commitments to responsible fishing. The focus is not just on sustainable stock management and biodiversity conservation. Like other small island developing states, Vanuatu recognises the priority need for fisheries management, and advancing small-scale sustainable domestic fisheries and aquaculture developments using local operations around its provinces. In addition, Vanuatu acknowledges the need for larger commercial fishing ventures that promote employment and improved livelihoods, and ensure food and nutrition security.
The key challenges in the fisheries sector are: governance and administration, implementing commitments and obligations, relatively poor progress and growth in domestic fisheries and aquaculture development, biodiversity research, political will, resources, etc. Vanuatu is committed to work with its provincial governments to improve management and develop jurisdictions, and with communities to improve and expand community-based fisheries. These constraints and challenges are summarised as follows: 1) Absence of a national fisheries sector policy and lack of a national fisheries sector policy. 2) Weak institutional setup and regulatory framework. 3) Lack of Infrastructure to support fishing and marketing Infrastructure support — including markets, boat and fishing gear. 4) Inadequately trained workforce as fisheries has the potential to increase employment opportunities locally and offshore. 5) Shortage of human and financial resources within the fisheries.
The Policy Vision is an: Healthy and sustainable fisheries sector for the long-term economic, social and food security for current and future generations. Its Mission is: To provide an effective, efficient, transparent and accountable service delivery through a participatory approach to ensure long-term sustainable fisheries management, conservation and development. The guiding principles form the basis of the Vanuatu National Fisheries Sector Policy: a) Optimum utilisation of fisheries and aquaculture resources to ensure ecological and socioeconomic sustainability in resource-use and domestic developments, while protecting cultural and traditional norms, including embracing customary marine tenure; b) Maximise net economic benefits from resource use in all fisheries waters and reinvest in the development of coastal, inland fisheries and the aquaculture sector; c) Promote the use of rights-based management supported by best science and practices in all fisheries and aquaculture; d) Promote the principles of visibility, transparency, and participation which includes relevant stakeholders in decision-making processes on fisheries and aquaculture management and development; e) Safeguard the welfare of future generations, recognising gender equity and vulnerable groups, and protecting the country’s sovereignty and jurisdiction; and f) Promote good governance and strengthen cooperation, partnerships and networking at all levels of the government and with civil societies and communities, including between government and external partners and institutions.
This policy is structured around eight strategic policy objectives, each of which is underpinned by more specific strategic actions and policy directives. 1. Institutional setup and good governance: Sustained resources and resourcing that strengthen the fisheries institution in promoting and ensuring good governance, capacity building, training and technical service delivery; 2. Fisheries investment and increase economic growth: A strong fisheries sector generating maximum economic growth, employment, and at the same time ensuring the sustainability of fish stocks, thereby securing food security and improving livelihoods of all communities; 3. Food and nutrition security and the alleviation of non-communicable diseases: A strong fisheries sector that increases the production of safe and healthy fish to feed the growing population, and thus providing a balanced diet and contributing to the alleviation of non-communicable diseases. 4. Infrastructure support and product development:Investment in onshore infrastructures that support value-adding and product development in order to increase exports, consistent with internationally acceptable standards and certifications as required by competent authorities and potential markets; 5. Environment management, climate change and disaster risk reduction: Investigate the impacts of development on the environment, and the impacts of climate change and disaster on fisheries resources and habitats, particularly identifying and implementing key priority areas on climate resilience and disaster risk reduction; 6. Information and communication technology improvement (including electronic reporting and monitoring, done within the requirements of the national ICT policy); 7. Fisheries compliance and IUU fishing prevention: Zero-tolerance of IUU activities, requiring all licensed fishing vessels are fully monitored and compliant; 8. Strengthen partnership collaboration and networking between the Fisheries Department and other government agencies, etc.