Russell Islands communities launch fisheries plans after a decade of conservation to protect marine resources and livelihoods.
The communities of Marulaon and Karumulun in the West Russell Islands celebrated the launch of their Community Fisheries Management Plans (CFMPs) on 16 and 17 September 2026, marking a historic achievement after more than a decade of marine conservation and fisheries management efforts.
This long-held vision to restore, manage, and protect marine resources for sustainable livelihoods and community resilience has been made possible through support from the European Union-funded Pacific BioScapes Programme.
Reflecting on more than a decade of community-led conservation efforts, Chairman of the Marulaon Community Resource Management Committee, Mr. Leonard Ngahum, said their conservation initiative was established in 2012 with a vision to protect the reefs, marine life, and coastal resources on which the communities depend.
The initiative was established in response to declining fish stocks, the degradation of marine habitats, pollution, and the unsustainable use of marine resources.
“The journey has not been easy, but over a decade of conservation has demonstrated the commitment of the community and our partners to protecting our marine resources. It has also provided an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, lessons learned, and the work that is still to be done,” said Mr. Ngahum.
The newly launched management plans provide a framework for communities to collectively manage and safeguard their fisheries and coastal resources, while also addressing broader priorities such as livelihoods, climate resilience, and community wellbeing.
Chief of Karumulun Community, Mr. Joshua Magoiam, described the launch as a significant step towards sustainable resource management.
“The launch and handover of this Management Plan marks an important milestone as we move from planning to implementation. Through this plan, we aim to enhance our fisheries resources, improve livelihoods, and ensure the sustainable harvesting of marine resources,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Senior Fisheries Officer Ms Anguine Nerry congratulated the communities on reaching this milestone.
“This achievement showcases community ownership and leadership in taking greater responsibility for managing and protecting your marine resources,” Ms Nerry said.
She further emphasised that sustainable marine resource management requires collective action.
“It requires the commitment and cooperation of everyone, including communities, resource owners, provincial authorities, non-government organisations, regional organisations, development and donor partners, and other stakeholders. The real work begins after the launch through the effective use and implementation of these plans,” she added.
Speaking on the broader significance of the initiative, BioScapes Programme Coordinator Ms Sharon Tohaimae noted that as communities face increasing pressures from climate change and other environmental challenges affecting coastal and marine ecosystems, locally driven conservation initiatives provide a strong foundation for resilience.
The development of the Community Fisheries Management Plans was highly participatory and inclusive, involving women, men, and youth throughout the process. Communities themselves led the planning process, ensuring that local knowledge, priorities, and aspirations were reflected in the management strategies.
The launch of the Community Fisheries Management Plans represents a significant milestone in community-based marine resource management in the Russell Islands and demonstrates the vital role of local leadership, partnerships, and long-term commitment in safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.
SOURCE// Pacific BioScapes Programme Press Release
