Pacific Islanders will need alternative sources of protein within two decades if current overfishing continues

Overfishing, population growth, rapid urbanization, habitat degradation and climate change are all leading to a ‘perfect storm’ for coastal fisheries in the Pacific Islands region, which means that many Pacific Island countries and territories will need to find alternative sources of protein for their population within the next two decades.

This sombre reality was presented to the Pacific Bêche-de-mer and the Future of Coastal Fisheries Meeting in Nadi Wednesday by Moses Amos, Director of the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) division at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

Finfish and invertebrates from coastal areas are relied upon by the people of the Pacific Islands region as a
key component of their dietary intake, as it is often the major source of protein.

However, finfish and invertebrate numbers are in rapid decline in the Pacific. Coastal fisheries are being over-exploited, particularly in proximity to concentrated population areas. This over-exploitation is expected
to intensify as the population continues to grow, with the region’s annual demand for fish predicted to
increase by 115,000 tonnes by the year 2030.

http://www.islandsbusiness.com/news/fiji/5977/pacific-islanders-will-need-alternative-sources-of/