Context:  

In 2013, SPREP established the Lui Bell Scholarship Fund, honouring the legacy of Mr. Lui Bell and his dedication to the conservation of marine species in the Pacific. Three scholarships were funded by the European Union through the SPREP’s BIEM Initiative (under the Pacific-European Union Marine Programme (PEUMP)) for 3 students. Mr. Absalom Kairu and Ms. Jireh Leka from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) received scholarships to undertake Post Graduate studies at the University of Papua New Guinea. Mr. Kabini Fa’ari Afia from the Solomon Islands was awarded a scholarship to complete his Masters Degree studies in the Solomon Island National University (SINU). The scholarships aimed to strengthen scientific expertise among Pacific Island nationals in fields related to the conservation and management of marine wildlife.  

Change Process: 

Post-Graduate Studies – UPNG 

Absalom Kairu – Documenting Marine Mammals in Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea. 

Marine mammals in Papua New Guinea remain understudied, particularly in the Gulf Province where systematic surveys have been scarce. To address this, Absalom Kairu designed and led a study that combined multiple approaches — boat-based surveys, citizen science, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) — to investigate marine mammal occurrence, critical habitats, and potential threats. His fieldwork involved conducting extensive boat-based surveys across the Purari Delta and Orokolo Bay over several months in 2024. He also engaged local communities in Kerema through citizen science initiatives and TEK interviews, documenting traditional knowledge passed down through generations on the relationship between coastal communities and marine megafauna. 

Jireh Leka – Addressing Inshore Dolphin Bycatch in Papua New Guinea.  

Jireh Leka conducted an assessment of inshore dolphin by-catch in both commercial and artisanal fisheries in the Purari Delta and Kerema Bay, Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea. Her research focused on identifying factors contributing to dolphin by-catch and examining the diet of inshore dolphins. She investigated the operations of the Gulf of Papua prawn fishery, which uses trawlers, and documented the fishing practices of local artisanal fishers who employ large-mesh gillnets targeting high-value species. Her approach combined field assessments of fishing activities, gear types, and local trade dynamics, with an emphasis on understanding how different fishing practices interact with inshore dolphin populations. 

Master Degree – SINU 

Kabini Afia: Traditional Hunting on Dolphin Populations in South Malaita, Solomon Islands. 

The anthropological perspective of dolphins in the Solomon Islands, focusing on the cultural significance of dolphin hunting in the communities of Fanalei and Walande, South Malaita. The research examines the elaborate relationship between traditional practices, cultural identity, and future ideas on marine conservation efforts. Through qualitative methods, including key informant interviews and focus group discussions, the study investigates the cultural aspects of dolphin hunting, including leadership roles, governance processes, and spiritual connections. Additionally, the research employs genetic analysis of dolphin teeth samples to validate the species of locally named dolphins. DNA extraction and sequencing techniques were used to identify four distinct species: spinner dolphins, pantropical spoIed dolphins, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, and short-finned pilot whales.    

Results and Impact: 

Papua New Guinea – Marine Mammal Surveys and Bycatch Assessment 

Absalom Kairu:  

Absalom Kairu’s postgraduate research represents one of the first systematic efforts to document and conserve marine mammals in Papua New Guinea’s Gulf Province—an area where these species remain largely understudied. Between January and April 2024, his integrated approach combined boat-based surveys, citizen science, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), covering 3,151 km of the Purari Delta and Orokolo Bay. These surveys recorded 56 sightings of six marine mammal groups, with the Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) emerging as the most frequently observed species. In addition, seven other megafauna, including crocodiles, sea snakes, and pig-nosed turtles, were documented. 

Community engagement revealed equally powerful insights. Interviews with fishers in Kerema showed that the vast majority had observed dolphins in Kerema Bay, and TEK shared by elders highlighted the cultural reverence for dolphins and dugongs, often viewed as ancestral guardians of the sea. “Fieldwork such as surveys must integrate traditional ecological knowledge and citizen science. This integrated approach is especially beneficial for resource-limited areas such as Gulf Province,” Absalom reflected. 

Recognising the importance of building trust with communities, Absalom piloted the use of Facebook and WhatsApp groups to monitor dolphin sightings. While these paused during the completion of his thesis, he emphasised the need for stronger awareness and incentives to sustain community-based monitoring. “For local communities to get involved and earn their trust, we need to improve community talks, workshops, and even provide small incentives like mobile credits as a sign of appreciation for their contributions,” he noted. 

Absalom also underscored gaps that future researchers could address, including the urgent need to study bycatch impacts, as dolphins are increasingly caught in gillnets at unprecedented rates across the Pacific. He stressed the importance of applying ethical considerations in all research and strengthening local monitoring systems to protect vulnerable species such as the Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins, both listed on the IUCN Red List. 

Reflecting on his personal journey, Absalom highlighted the value of the PEUMP Ocean Learning Conference 2025 as a platform for learning and networking. “Personally, I learnt a lot about time management through thesis development and submission, and I gained great experience presenting and networking at the Ocean Learning Conference,” he shared. 

His work demonstrates how scientific research, when combined with community knowledge and participation, can lay the foundation for long-term marine conservation in the Pacific. 

Jireh Leka:  

Jireh Leka’s companion study shed light on alarming levels of inshore dolphin bycatch in Papua New Guinea’s Gulf Province. Her research revealed that the recent introduction of large-mesh gillnets in some villages has led to a rapid escalation in bycatch, with unsustainable impacts on local dolphin populations. In just one community, seven snubfin dolphins were caught within a four-month period. This growing threat is being driven by lucrative illegal trade in swim bladders from species such as barramundi and jewfish, which are highly valued in Asian markets. Without urgent action, the survival of local inshore dolphins is at risk. 

Her thesis focused on three key objectives: assessing bycatch, compiling a report on dolphin carcass collection, and analysing stomach contents of dolphins caught in gillnets. Supported by the Lui Bell Scholarship, Jireh strengthened her capacity to conduct fieldwork and data analysis, while also developing the structure and rigour needed to complete her thesis. “The scholarship not only helped me write up and analyse my data but also built my capacity as a researcher and strengthened my character as an individual,” she shared. 

Jireh brought a deeply personal perspective to her work, growing up in the western Gulf Province where dolphin bycatch is a lived reality. “I come from an area where the bycatch of these dolphins has drastically reduced their population. Local communities still share oral stories about dolphins, but if the decline continues, future generations may only know of their existence through these stories,” she reflected. 

Her study highlights the importance of conservation research that bridges science with community traditions. By engaging local knowledge and documenting bycatch impacts, her work is helping inform conservation strategies while ensuring that communities remain connected to the cultural significance of dolphins. “The beauty of conservation research is in balancing studies with community understanding. It ensures that local people take ownership of natural resource management while maintaining their traditions,” she emphasised. 

Through her research, Jireh is contributing to a growing body of evidence that underscores the urgent need for stronger bycatch mitigation and community-led conservation in the Pacific. 

Kabini Afia:  

Kabini Afia’s study in South Malaita examined the cultural dimensions of dolphin hunting in the communities of Fanalei and Walande. His research revealed the deep interplay between traditional knowledge, governance systems, and spiritual beliefs that continue to shape marine resource use. Elders highlighted inherited leadership roles and protocols that govern dolphin hunting, underscoring its importance to identity and cultural legacy. 

To complement these cultural insights, Kabini conducted genetic analysis of dolphin teeth. This work confirmed the presence of four species—spinner dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, and short-finned pilot whales. The findings not only validated local naming systems but also enhanced scientific understanding of species diversity in the Solomon Islands, where formal data remains scarce. “The Ministry of Fisheries currently holds very limited information on dolphins, mainly on bottlenose species. My research helped fill this gap by identifying four species through genetic sampling and analysis,” Kabini noted. 

Kabini’s experience also underscored the challenges faced by emerging Pacific researchers. With support from the Lui Bell Scholarship, he strengthened his skills in project management, reporting, and financial administration while navigating the complexities of genetic research. “For new researchers, it’s important to carefully design projects and budgets, as there are rarely contingency funds for unexpected costs such as laboratory work, permits, or biosecurity requirements,” he advised. He also reflected on the risks involved in transporting dolphin samples internationally, which are sometimes regarded as more sensitive than human remains. 

Now pursuing a PhD at Griffith University focused on reforestation, biodiversity, and livelihoods in Western Solomon Islands, Kabini sees his role as both a scientist and an advocate. “We are ambassadors for the Lui Bell Scholarship and for the wider region. Research is not only about data—it’s about having a positive mindset in the face of challenges and ensuring our work adds value to conservation and communities,” he shared. 

His study highlights the urgent need for continued species validation in the Solomon Islands, where eight dolphin species are known to be captured annually but only a few have been genetically confirmed. Kabini’s work demonstrates how integrating cultural perspectives with modern science can lay the foundation for more informed conservation policies. He envisions a future where, once all species are validated, fisheries authorities could be advised to consider a complete ban on dolphin harvesting. 

Lesson Learned:  

• The studies by Absalom, Jireh, and Kabini showed that combining Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and cultural perspectives with modern scientific methods (surveys, bycatch assessments, genetic analysis) generates richer, more credible data and builds community ownership of conservation outcomes. 

• Absalom’s use of citizen science, community interviews, and even social media platforms for dolphin sighting monitoring demonstrated that trust, incentives, and continuous dialogue are critical for sustained community involvement in marine mammal conservation. 

• Scholarship highlighted the importance of strengthening the capacity of in-country universities to effectively manage scholarships, ensuring that all associated costs are adequately supported to facilitate scholars' success and timely completion. A key lesson learned was the high cost of conducting genetic validation outside the Pacific region, emphasizing the need to build local research capacity to carry out such specialized work within the region. 

• Research findings highlighted the unsustainable pressures on inshore dolphin populations from large-mesh gillnets and the illegal swim bladder trade. These insights provide critical evidence for stronger bycatch mitigation, enforcement measures, and policy reforms to protect vulnerable marine mammal species. 

• Kabini’s experiences with biosecurity restrictions, project budgeting, and sample transport, along with Absalom and Jireh’s reflections on ethics in fieldwork, underscored the importance of thorough planning, ethical safeguards, and contingency measures in Pacific-led research. Addressing these challenges upfront ensures research can continue to inform conservation and policy without disruption.