The Government of New Zealand and the Solomon Islands Government on Friday signed the next phase of their fisheries partnership, launching Mekem Strong Solomon Islands Fisheries (MSSIF) Phase 4.
Valued at SBD45 million and running for five years, the programme will continue to strengthen fisheries so that all Solomon Islanders can benefit from this vital resource.
Fisheries are central to Solomon Islands’ identity and economic development. They underpin food and nutrition security, sustain rural livelihoods, generate vital government revenue, and contribute to regional prosperity through globally significant tuna resources. Both governments recognise that sustainably managed fisheries are essential for long-term growth and resilience in Solomon Islands and across the Pacific.
Over the past 15 years, MSSIF has supported the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) to deliver tangible results for Solomon Islanders.
Communities now have better access to fisheries services, with provincial officers able to provide practical support such as deploying FADs, improving post-harvest handling, and working with villages on managing coastal resources.
New livelihood opportunities have been created through seaweed farming, which grew so strongly that Solomon Islands became one of the Pacific’s largest producer, and through establishing the Aruligo Tilapia Hatchery, which has brought the country close to producing high-quality fingerlings to supply farmers.
The programme also helped the country meet international standards and lift the European Union “yellow card” in 2017, protecting jobs and tuna exports while tripling government revenue from fisheries.
Behind these achievements, MSSIF has helped strengthen MFMR by supporting a major restructure that created more than 70 fisheries jobs now permanently funded by the Solomon Islands Government.
Flexible funding has also allowed MFMR to respond quickly to emerging challenges and priorities, ensuring services and opportunities continue to reach people.
MSSIF Phase 4 will scale up GIFT tilapia aquaculture to strengthen food security and household incomes, enhance provincial fisheries services so communities benefit directly from government support, and continue investing in MFMR’s workforce, systems and policies to ensure the Ministry can deliver effectively into the future.
For the public, this means reliable local fish supply, new livelihood opportunities in aquaculture value chains, stronger provincial services, and a Ministry with the people, data and systems needed to steward one of the country’s most valuable natural assets.
Dr Chris Ramofafia, Permanent Secretary of MFMR, said “This partnership has been fundamental in building the strength of our Ministry and delivering tangible results for our people.
“Phase 4 will allow us to continue investing in food security, aquaculture, and provincial services so that Solomon Islanders across the country benefit directly.
“We value New Zealand’s consistent support and the trust placed in MFMR’s leadership to drive the sustainable development of our fisheries sector.”
New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Curr said “The next phase is firmly focused on outcomes that Solomon Islanders can see and feel—stronger provincial services, improved food security, and new livelihood opportunities through aquaculture and fisheries value chains.
“This reflects the trust and shared ambition between our governments. Fisheries are at the heart of Solomon Islands’ economy and wellbeing, and New Zealand is proud to continue walking alongside MFMR to protect these resources and grow opportunities for future generations.”
By signing the MSSIF Phase 4partnership, both governments have reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable fisheries sector that will continue to provide food, jobs, and opportunities for all Solomon Islanders now and into the future.
