Nabilah S
Authorities will now harness the power of geospatial data analysis, mapping, and visualization tools to support community fisheries management in Samoa.
This achievement was made possible through training on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for the Fisheries Division of Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF).
“GIS tools have become an essential part of our arsenal. Today marks the start of our journey into spatial data analysis, mapping, and visualization,” stated Roseti Imo, Assistant CEO of MAF’s Fisheries Division.
“This is more than just technology; it is a catalyst for transforming our understanding and interaction with the world around us. GIS holds a significant responsibility to utilize information for the enhancement of our fishing community.”
The training covered various GIS applications, including data collection and management, spatial analysis, mapping techniques, and interpreting spatial data for fisheries management.
Over 120 coastal villages are actively participating, with many more showing interest in joining.
The Samoa Fisheries Division runs a Community Fisheries Management Programme that is recognized both nationally and regionally. This programme aids coastal villages in sustainably managing their coastal and inshore fisheries. It involves the formulation and implementation of village fisheries plans, the establishment and management of reserves, and the enforcement of bylaws.
The training was instrumental in enhancing the abilities of fisheries staff and local communities to sustainably manage their surrounding waters using GIS mapping. Jope Davetanivalu, the Director for Environmental Monitoring and Governance at SPREP, noted hat one of the outcomes from the recent 4th Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) meeting in Antigua and Barbuda was for all SIDS member countries to fortify their data collection mechanisms across government sectors and ministries. The GIS training will be beneficial in providing data and enabling more informed decision-making for the Fisheries Division and the ministry.
Mr. Davetanivalu mentioned that a crucial aspect of SPREP’s efforts involves offering technical support and capacity building to its member nations. This support helps them meet their obligations to international environmental conventions and enhance their environmental management programs using emerging technologies and tools like GIS.
Additionally, participants had the chance to explore SPREP’s online platforms, including the Pacific Islands Protected Area Portal (PIPAP). They also familiarized themselves with the available spatial datasets in the region and learned how to access these data for GIS mapping.
During the training, which primarily focused on spatial data and its management, participants were introduced to a range of data collection methods spanning national, regional, and global scales. A fieldwork component was also included, allowing participants to practically apply their new GIS skills. This involved collecting and analyzing data from local fishing grounds using GPS devices, effectively bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications.
Su’a Ulusapeti Tiitii, Acting ACEO of MAF, expressed her gratitude for the training
“The knowledge and techniques we have acquired from this training are more than just tools in our professional toolkit; they are instruments of change for safeguarding our marine ecosystems,” she remarked. “As we return to our respective roles, I encourage you to apply what you have learned with creativity, precision, and a deep sense of responsibility.”The Samoa Fisheries Division (MAF) and the World Bank’s SAFPROM project supported the training. Titled “Enhancing Fisheries Management in Samoa through GIS,” the five-day training took place from June 10th to 14th, 2024. It was conducted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) through a collaboration between SPREP’s Environmental Monitoring and Governance (EMG) and Islands and Oceans Ecosystems (IOE) programmes. The training’s objective was to develop essential GIS skills to enhance data collection, analysis, and decision-making for the sustainable management of Samoa’s valuable fisheries resources.
