NATIONAL WORK
SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES
Blue Prosperity Micronesia (BPM) supports state and national agencies and local NGOs in meeting FSM’s goals to strengthen fisheries management and monitoring to build resilience towards climate change impacts, support the sustainable socio-economic development of fisheries, and improve livelihoods.
WHAT ARE SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES?
Sustainable Fisheries refers to the practice of managing fishing activities in a way that respects habitats, increases catch value, protects stock, and supports fishers as well as other ocean livelihoods.
RECENT WORK
Fisheries Monitoring App Pilot in Chuuk | 2023 - 2024
Blue Prosperity Micronesia partnered with the Chuuk State Division of Marine Resources (DMR) and in Weno and Oneisomw to pilot a fisheries monitoring initiative powered by Shellcatch, a smartphone app designed to address critical gaps in nearshore fisheries data. The pilot focused on collecting real-time, detailed insights into Chuuk’s coastal fisheries.
WHO IS INVOLVED?
The BPM Sustainable Fisheries Working Group is an advisory body of technical experts from government fisheries scientists, NGOs and academia. Members include:
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FSM Department of Resources & Development
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National Oceanic Resources Management Authority (NORMA)
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Department of Environment, Climate Change & Emergency Management (DECEM)
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FSM State Focal Points
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The Pacific Community (SPC)
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Micronesia Conservation Trust
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The Nature Conservancy
SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES
MILESTONES
2023
2022
2021
Completed seafood market assessment and identified opportunities for diversification.
Developed a smartphone app to bridge gaps in nearshore fisheries data collection and allow for traceability from boat to plate.
The Working Group identified 4 priorities for BPM to focus on that help amplify FSM’s existing efforts to sustainably manage fisheries.
Published a Fisheries Characterization report summarizing publicly available and expertly informed documentation about offshore and coastal fisheries.
RELATED LINKS
SEAFOOD MARKET CONSULTANCY IN THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA
2023
This report assesses the current state of the Federated States of Micronesia’s tuna industry and trade, identifies the challenges it faces within global value chains, and analyzes how FSM can strengthen its fisheries sector to increase economic benefits. It examines the impacts of COVID-19, structural trade barriers, and production constraints, while also mapping out opportunities to expand market access, improve product quality and traceability, and leverage FSM’s fishing resources to support long-term economic growth.
FSM FISHERIES CHARACTERIZATION REPORT
2021
The goal of this report is to provide a summary of publicly available and expertly sourced information relevant to the Federated States of Micronesia’s (FSM) offshore and coastal fisheries. Specific information reviewed includes fishery fleet characteristics, target species, gear types, stock health, management, and relevant data sources.