Forgotten fisheries: sustaining the contribution of marine molluscs to food security, sustainable livelihoods and environmental health in the Pacific (FORGOTTEN FISHERIES)

There is little information available on the state and characteristics of shellfisheries in Solomon Islands. There are indications that several species are severely overfished, and that sedimentation and pollution by logging and mining concessions have detrimental effects on shellfish stocks (SPREP 2019). Global climate change will likely exacerbate these local threats to marine molluscs, which seem highly vulnerable to ocean acidification (Chen 2021). At the same time, the Solomon Islands food system is undergoing a fundamental transition (Albert et al. 2020; Brewer et al. 2023). Root crops, reef fish and shells are increasingly replaced by imported staples and processed foods, with far-reaching consequences for food security and health. Moreover, the contribution of shells to rural incomes seems to be declining as traditional bride-price and compensation payments are increasingly made in cash (Akin 1999; Barclay et al. 2018).

The Forgotten Fisheries project aims to advance knowledge on the crucial contribution of small-scale shellfisheries to food security, sustainable livelihoods and environmental health in Solomon Islands by leveraging the expertise of Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences (HVHL) and WorldFish. First, the Senior Expert will mentor WorldFish researchers in Solomon Islands to publish their findings on small-scale shellfisheries. Over the past ten years, WorldFish has implemented several research projects on community-based fisheries management. However, much data and information remains unpublished, and is only recorded in internal project reports and databases. Much can be gained by making this grey literature accessible to partners, stakeholders and the public. But in-country staff struggles to publish in international academic and professional journals due to language barriers, time constraints and academic standards. Second, the Senior Expert will strengthen the research partnership between WorldFish and HVHL. HVHL has extensive experience in strengthening agricultural research and extension services in the Global South. In recent years, HVHL has led efforts to develop ‘Living Labs’: transdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder collaborations between science, governance, businesses and civil society (Lie et al. 2023). These insights are highly relevant for WorldFish, which aims to establish an ‘innovation hub’ dedicated to sustainable and climate-resilient island food systems in Solomon Islands (Bennett et al. 2023). The Senior Expert will provide technical support to WorldFish to further develop such a Living Lab. In addition, the Senior Expert will organize three workshops to bring together experts from CGIAR and other Dutch knowledge institutions to share information on the contribution of tropical marine molluscs to food security, sustainable livelihoods and environmental health. Third, the Senior Expert will transfer knowledge on small-scale shellfisheries by giving presentations to stakeholders, developing educational materials, and producing a policy brief for decision makers.

The Forgotten Fisheries project aims to advance knowledge on tropical small-scale shellfisheries through: 1. Mentoring early-career WorldFish researchers in Solomon Islands; 2. Strengthening research partnerships between CGIAR and Dutch research institutions; 3. Sharing information on small-scale shellfisheries.