Students (Ben Watson and Ammuel Rarui) with their catches during the survey.
Press Release
14 October 2025ย
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU), through its Department of Fisheries Studies, successfully conducted a joint fisheries survey in Tiaro Bay, West Guadalcanal, from 6 to 9 October 2025, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
This landmark trip marked the first collaboration between the three partners, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing marine research, promoting community-based resource management, and enhancing practical student learning.
The survey focused on assessing the abundance and distribution of trochus (Rochia niloticus) within Tiaro Bay. Students from SINUโs Department of Fisheries Studies worked alongside MFMR officers and JICA technical fisheries experts during two intensive days of fieldwork.
As part of the outreach activities, the team also visited Tiaro Community High School, where Dr. Lindon Havimana, who led the SINU delegation, gave a presentation on the academic programs offered by SINU, particularly within the Department of Fisheries Studies and Distance and Flexible Learning (DFL).
Dr. Havimana encouraged students to value their education and appreciate their parentsโ sacrifices, reminding them that education is the foundation for building resilient communities and sustainable livelihoods.
The visit also included a tour of community-led livelihood initiatives such as the fisheries center, small-scale aquaculture projects, and eco-tourism ventures โ sustainable income-generating activities developed following the communityโs decision to conserve their adjacent reefs.
At the conclusion of the fieldwork, students, under the guidance of their supervisors, analyzed and presented their findings to the Tiaro Bay Community-Based Resource Management (CBRM) Committee. Their presentation provided valuable insights to support the communityโs continued efforts in sustainably managing trochus and other coastal resources.
Mr. Mitsuo Inuma, JICA Team Leader, expressed gratitude to all participants for their teamwork and commitment.
โWithout the cooperation of everyone, we would not have been able to collect important data about the current status of trochus at Tiaro Bay,โ Mr. Inuma said. โThis collaboration shows how joint efforts between communities, students, and institutions can lead to meaningful outcomes for resource management.โ
Dr. Lindon Havimana thanked the Government through MFMR, JICA, and the Tiaro Bay community for the partnership.
โI am deeply thankful for this collaboration, which demonstrates how partnerships between government, international partners, and communities can strengthen fisheries education and research,โ he said. โI am especially pleased that our students were exposed to real field environments, giving them a clear understanding of how their knowledge can contribute to sustainable resource management after graduation.โ
This successful collaboration highlights the Universityโs commitment to practical, community engaged learning and the promotion of sustainable resource management through education and research.
ENDS//