The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is pleased to announce the signing of an Exchange of Notes between the Honourable Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki, Ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands. This confirms Japanโs commitment to providing Grant Aid for the construction of a state-of-the-art Fisheries Research Center at SINU. The center will lead in fisheries management and applied research, contributing to sustainable development in the region.
The project reflects a collaborative partnership between the Governments of Japan and Solomon Islands, recognising the critical role of fisheries in the national economy and the sustainable livelihoods of communities throughout the islands. The Fisheries Research Center will serve as a hub for innovative research and knowledge sharing, uniting academia, industry, government, and communities to address challenges in fisheries management and the broader blue economy.
โIn 2022, as Director of the Institute of Oceans, Islands, and Sustainable Development (IOISD), I discussed with the British High Commissioner, Thomas Coward, the idea of establishing a Fisheries Center of Excellence to foster applied research and programs. Through partnerships with institutions like the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, WorldFish, and local industry players, we can develop the best fisheries program in the region. His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki, who became Ambassador in 2022, was equally interested in an integrated support program involving communities, academia, government, and industry. This would contribute to economic and social well-being by investing in smart fisheries, agriculture, and agroforestry.”
Professor Aqorau expressed his pleasure at seeing these discussions and ideas come to fruition through the signing of the Exchange of Notes, and extended his gratitude to both the Solomon Islands Government and the Government of Japan for their support.
The Fisheries Research Center will significantly enhance research capabilities at SINU, focusing on applied research in fisheries management, aquaculture, marine conservation, and sustainable resource utilization. It will strengthen partnerships with regional and international organizations, positioning SINU as a thought leader in the fisheries sector.
For local communities, the center offers opportunities to add value to traditional fisheries practices. By integrating modern technology with indigenous knowledge, the center will support more sustainable and profitable fishing methods, improve food security, and create income-generating opportunities. The research conducted will explore innovative ways to improve yields and ensure that rural economies benefit directly from the collaboration.
The collaboration between SINU, the Solomon Islands Government, and Japan highlights the importance of strategic partnerships for national development. The Centre will play a critical role in informing policy decisions on fisheries management and sustainable development, aligning with national priorities to protect marine ecosystems while ensuring economic growth. By partnering with industry leaders like Soltuna and the National Fisheries Development, the Fisheries Research Center will create a bridge between research and practical applications, ensuring that scientific advancements contribute directly to improved practices within the fisheries sector.
The Fisheries Research Center will provide SINU faculty and students with unparalleled learning opportunities, providing hands-on experience in cutting-edge fisheries research. It will facilitate the development of new courses and programmes that equip students with the skills necessary to address real-world challenges in marine science, fisheries management, and conservation. Faculty members will benefit from collaborative research opportunities with international experts, advancing SINU’s capacity to generate knowledge and solutions that can be applied locally and globally.
A key goal of the Fisheries Research Center is to add value to fisheries through new processing and marketing methods, such as fish smoking and canning, which will increase profitability for local communities. The center will also focus on sustainable aquaculture practices, providing alternative income sources and ensuring long-term benefits. Training and capacity-building programs will empower communities to engage with and benefit from the latest advancements in fisheries science and technology.
The signing of the Exchange of Notes between Honourable Peter Shanel Agovaka and His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki marks a new chapter in the Solomon Islands’ journey toward sustainable fisheries management. SINU is honoured to be at the forefront of this development and looks forward to working with partners to ensure the successful implementation of this transformative project.
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