Officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and Japan’s Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation (OFCF) have commenced their annual two-day meeting in Honiara, marking the final discussions of the long-running Sea Cucumber Resource Management Project.
In his opening remarks, Fisheries Minister Hon. Nestor Giro expressed deep gratitude to the government and people of Japan for their unwavering support in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
He acknowledged the strong and enduring partnership between the Solomon Islands and Japan, emphasizing the significant contributions of the project.
“Your presence here reflects the deep collaboration between our governments, particularly through the Sea Cucumber Resource Management Project,” Minister Giro stated.
This final Joint Committee Meeting between MFMR and OFCF marks the conclusion of the project, which has been instrumental in scientific knowledge transfer, hatchery development, research capacity building, and community empowerment.
Despite challenges such as COVID-19, social issues, and financial constraints, Japan’s steadfast commitment has led to substantial progress and tangible achievements in sea cucumber fisheries management.
“The Sea Cucumber Project remains a high priority for the Solomon Islands government—ensuring sustainability, maintaining wild stocks, and supporting local livelihoods,” Minister Giro reaffirmed.
Established in 2010, the project has played a vital role in developing and managing sea cucumber fisheries, benefiting rural communities, businesses, and the national economy. Minister Giro highlighted the successful transfer of hatchery techniques to local experts, empowering them to continue seed production independently.
While the project is concluding, MFMR remains committed to ongoing efforts. “Our officers now possess the technical expertise gained over the years, and we look forward to continued collaboration with OFCF and Japan in coastal fisheries,” Minister Giro assured.
He also welcomed discussions on potential support for MFMR’s coastal fisheries and aquaculture programs, reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to sustainable fisheries through restocking and stock enhancement initiatives.
OFCF Vice President and delegation leader Mr. Shuto Tsuyoshi expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ fisheries sector.
The joint meeting reviewed the three phases of the Sea Cucumber Project, evaluated its achievements, and explored potential future areas of support to ensure sustainable resource management.
Vice President of OFCF Japan, acknowledged the challenges faced at the project’s inception, particularly the limited biological knowledge of peanut fish sea cucumbers on a global scale.
However, through research, trials, and collaboration with MFMR, the project has achieved significant milestones over the past 15 years, particularly in artificial seed production and wild seed collection.
“At this meeting, we aim to confirm the outcomes of activities in FY2024 and assess the project’s overall achievements since its launch in May 2010. We will also discuss MFMR’s future plans for sea cucumber resource management and explore potential forms of support from OFCF,” Mr. Shuto said.
He acknowledged that recent budgetary constraints had affected the full implementation of some activities but encouraged MFMR to continue its leadership in promoting the sustainable utilization and management of sea cucumber resources.
“I am confident that the knowledge and achievements of this project will contribute to the effective management of sea cucumber resources in the Solomon Islands and further strengthen the friendly ties between our nations in fisheries development,” he concluded.
The two-day meeting concludes today, marking the end of a transformational initiative while paving the way for continued cooperation in Solomon Islands’ fisheries sector.
Francis Pituvaka
Communication Officer
MFMR
