𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲

Students from the Department of Fisheries Studies at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) were deeply honoured and privileged to engage with one of the world’s foremost authorities on ocean law and maritime governance, Professor Stuart Kaye OAM, Director of the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), during a guest lecture held today week at the SINU Ranadi Campus.

Professor Kaye delivered a compelling lecture on the theme “Emerging Trends in Ocean Governance and Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific”, sharing insights from his extensive academic and policy experience spanning over three decades. The session explored the rapidly evolving geopolitical and environmental challenges in the Pacific maritime domain, including the governance of fisheries, the implications of maritime boundary disputes, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the critical importance of regional cooperation in maritime security.

In addressing the gathering of students, faculty, and invited guests, Professor Kaye emphasised the growing complexity of ocean governance amidst climate change, contested jurisdictions, and heightened global interest in the Indo-Pacific. He also underscored the need for Pacific Island nations to strengthen their legal and institutional capacities to safeguard their sovereign rights and marine resources.

The visit reflects SINU’s growing academic collaboration with ANCORS, particularly through a joint initiative to develop a Graduate Programme in Fisheries Management and Development, which aims to build local and regional expertise in fisheries law, governance, and policy. This collaboration is part of SINU’s broader strategy to become a regional hub for excellence in ocean studies, maritime law, and sustainable development.

SINU Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau, who is himself a renowned international fisheries law expert, expressed his delight at the visit, stating, “it has been a privilege to know Professor Stuart Kaye for over 30 years, and to see how his influence has shaped the global discourse on ocean law and maritime security. To have him speak directly to our students at SINU is not only an honour but a powerful opportunity for our future leaders to learn from one of the very best in the field. His presence here reinforces the kind of world-class engagement we aspire to offer at SINU, particularly as we deepen our strategic partnership with ANCORS.”

Professor Kaye’s career spans appointments as Dean of Law at the University of Western Australia, Professor of Law at the University of Melbourne, and Director of ANCORS at the University of Wollongong. He holds law degrees from the University of Sydney and a doctorate in international law from Dalhousie University in Canada. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2024, and he continues to serve in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve as a legal officer.

The students who attended the lecture described the session as “eye-opening, inspiring and deeply relevant”, particularly as Solomon Islands navigates its own maritime challenges and opportunities. Several students expressed interest in pursuing further studies in maritime law and governance, viewing it as an area where Solomon Islands must build sovereign capacity and informed leadership.

SINU is proud to continue bringing the world to its classrooms, linking local students with international expertise, and empowering the next generation of Pacific leaders in fisheries and ocean governance.

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-SINU Press Release