A blue food transformation for the Pacific

Team: Jim Leape, Fiorenza Micheli, Rosamond Naylor, Elizabeth Selig, Colette Wabnitz, Michelle Tigchelaar
Mid-range (Developing)

For the Pacific Island countries, restoring sustainable blue food systems (fisheries and aquaculture), is a key priority for improving health, food security, and livelihoods. This project aimed to support the Island governments in mobilizing a regional effort to meet this challenge. Drawing on our global Blue Food Assessment, we worked with the Pacific Community (SPC), to lay the foundation for a similar assessment of the Pacific, building a blue food database (now available via open access at SPC) that provides detailed nutrient composition for 233 species fish, invertebrates and algae. We also supported SPC, the Bezos Earth Fund (BEF), and other partners as they worked to create a region-wide initiative.

At COP 28, Pacific leaders announced the initiative with endorsement from the 16 members of the Pacific Islands Forum. In the initiative, the leaders committed to preserve 30% of the ecosystems across the “Blue Pacific Continent” by 2030, protecting over 1 billion hectares of ocean; to invest in sustainable coastal food systems and supporting ecosystems; and to develop mechanisms for long-term financing. BEF pledged $100 million toward a goal of raising $400-500 million from other private and public funders.

Our next steps are to support Pacific leaders as they build and implement this initiative, working with SPC to provide the science that policymakers need to develop sustainable blue food systems and ensure long-term success.