Third SPC Regional Technical Meeting on Coastal Fisheries

Third SPC Regional Technical Meeting on Coastal Fisheries COOK ISLANDS COASTAL FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE TECHNICAL ISSUES AND PRIORITIES 5 TH – 8 TH NOVEMBER 2019, NOUMEA, NEW CALEDONIA. KOROA RAUMEA AND RICHARD STORY

Coastal Fisheries Technical Priorities 1. Permanent technical staff for the purpose of monitoring coastal areas, resources and reporting results and recommendations to island governments and leaders. 2. Equipment that supports activities undertaken by the technical staff (eg. drones, cameras, dive computers, water quality monitoring data loggers, computer software, etc. ) Capacity building in the use of E-Technology for monitoring.

Aquaculture Technical Priorities 1. In Manihiki, a research lab/hatchery and technical staff that provides ongoing support and advice to help improve pearl farm husbandry, enhance pearl quality and production. 2. In Aitutaki, an increased number of technical staff and facility upgrade for the purpose of producing juvenile giant clams for replenishing wild stock. Again, capacity building in running hatchery and grow-out

Actions taken since RTMCF 1 & RTMCF 2 1. RTMCF 1 2017 - MMR continues to collaborates with SPC team with our TAILs program staff training etc. 2. RTMCF 1 2017 - In terms of the Sea cucumber Fisheries, Cook Islands still have NO Commercial harvest Ban, and this will be maintained 3. RTMCF 2018 – SPC assisted MMR with the development of it National Aquatic Biosecurity Strategy, Endorsed. SPC assist with development the Aquaculture Development Plan, this is yet to be endorsed 4. RTMCF 2018 - SPC Sea safety, Grab bags

Coastal Fisheries Issues or Challenges 1. Varied success in successful traditional management approaches. traditional approaches are relatively successful in communities with strong traditional/cultural practices and this is less successful in areas where these cultures are not as strong (e. g. areas with a stronger commercial focus). 2. Management recommendations are often specific to each island require ongoing engagement. This ongoing engagement is important but is often costly (airfares) and requires a great deal of technical staff time.

Aquaculture Issues or Challenges 1. Lack of technical experts that could provide pearl production quality and quantity advice. 2. Current aquaculture is mostly limited to pearl production (and to a minor degree giant clam production) - food production and therefore food security are not a main aquaculture component (maybe change component to drive). 3. Problems that likely stem from the lack of a defined partnership between Marine Research facilities and key stakeholders.