Press Release
18 July 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Department of Fisheries Studies on Thursday, 16 July, held a stakeholder consultation meeting to review its Bachelor of Fisheries Studies programme.
The purpose of the consultation was to ensure that the Bachelor of Fisheries Studies programme aligns with recognised quality standards, industry expectations, best practices in fisheries education, and supports the programme’s accreditation process.
In addition, the consultation was conducted to meet the University’s quality assurance and programme review requirements by undertaking a comprehensive stakeholder consultation that provides evidence for continuous programme improvement and compliance with institutional and accreditation standards.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (FAFF), Dr Vaeno Vigulu, encouraged stakeholder representatives to contribute meaningfully to the consultation, as their input would be taken into consideration when reviewing the Bachelor of Fisheries Studies programme.
Opening the consultation, the SINU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau, stated that there appear to be too many units in the current programme structure and that some units seem to duplicate one another.
He also emphasised the need for students undertaking the programme to engage in more field-based learning and practical experience.
“In a programme such as fisheries, where graduates are expected to work confidently in communities, on vessels, in laboratories, in industry settings, and in regulatory environments, practical and experiential learning cannot be secondary; it must be central.”
He further stated that learning outcomes should be aligned more clearly with industry expectations, including competencies relevant to fish standards, food processing and handling, fisheries observation, and compliance.
Professor Aqorau also pointed to the need for stronger applied fisheries management skills and a firmer grounding in core fisheries management components, stating that these are not minor adjustments.
“They go to the heart of producing graduates who are genuinely ready for the workplace and able to contribute from day one.”
He said stakeholder consultation is essential if the University is to strengthen the relevance, standing, and impact of its teaching. He added that it also reinforces the importance of fostering a culture in which programme review is understood not merely as a compliance exercise but as an opportunity to improve what is taught, how it is taught, and how well graduates are prepared for the responsibilities they will carry after graduation.
Professor Aqorau thanked everyone involved in the consultation for their valuable contributions. He also commended the Department of Fisheries Studies and the Faculty leadership for taking the review process seriously.
The stakeholder consultation was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, WorldFish, the University of Wollongong, local marine resource managers, SINU alumni, and SINU staff.
ENDS//