Supporting the Development and Implementation of National Plans of Action (NPOAs) for Marine Species Conservation

Context

The Pacific region is home to some of the world's richest and threatened marine biodiversity, including marine turtles, sharks, rays, and seabirds. These species are not only ecologically important but also hold deep cultural significance and contribute to food security for many island communities. In response to increasing pressures from habitat loss, unsustainable harvesting, bycatch in fisheries, and climate change, the need for coordinated national conservation strategies has become increasingly urgent.

National Plans of Action (NPOAs) provide a structured approach for countries to manage and conserve their marine resources while aligning with international obligations under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), CITES, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) International Plan of Action for Sharks, and regional policy instruments such as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) conservation and management measures.

To address these needs, SPREP, through the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme and technical assistance from the Pacific Community (SPC), supported the development and launch of updated NPOAs for marine turtles, sharks, rays, and seabirds in multiple countries, including Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea (PNG). These efforts focused on ensuring that each NPOA was grounded in the latest scientific data, embraced national priorities, and involved broad stakeholder participation. The process helped bridge gaps between traditional ecological knowledge, scientific assessments, and government policy frameworks.

Change Process

Comprehensive Support and Research Integration

SPREP and SPC's support was comprehensive, encompassing research, policy drafting, stakeholder consultation, and communications. Scientific and socio-economic data, including observer and port sampling data on shark and ray bycatch, were analysed to assess species prevalence and threats. In Vanuatu, research on wedge-tailed shearwaters and community turtle surveys provided a strong evidence base for conservation priorities. In Fiji and Tonga, detailed analysis of shark bycatch informed risk-based prioritisation and the design of monitoring and mitigation strategies in revised NPOAs-Sharks. This evidence fed into national workshops and informed decision-making during the drafting of the NPOAs.

Stakeholder Engagement and Consultations

Stakeholder engagement was central to the change process. National steering committees were established or supported to guide the development of each NPOA. These included representatives from government ministries, NGOs, local communities, regional agencies, fisheries departments, environment ministries, observer programmes, and non-government partners. In the Solomon Islands, SPREP facilitated national and provincial consultations ensuring NPOAs reflected diverse perspectives and local realities. Draft NPOAs underwent in-country validation workshops to ensure alignment with national priorities and broad stakeholder input. Launch events incorporated traditional cultural elements such as dance, song, and sand drawings to connect conservation goals with community identity and values.

Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening

Capacity-building efforts included the commissioning of national consultants, coordination of high-level steering committees, and training in drafting, editing, and communication. In Fiji and Tonga, fisheries officers and observers received training to identify key shark species, apply handling and release protocols, and report data according to new national and regional requirements. Observer manuals were updated accordingly. SPREP also supported the design and production of visually appealing, accessible NPOAs.

Communications and Public Awareness

Communication materials such as posters with QR codes, commemorative shirts, and print media coverage were used to raise awareness and increase engagement. In Vanuatu, the NPOA launch was broadcast via radio and social media, reaching communities beyond the capital. Thousands of citizens were engaged through events, radio broadcasts, and print articles. In the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, the incorporation of cultural expressions into launch ceremonies fostered pride and commitment to marine conservation.

Results and Impact

The most tangible result was the successful launch of updated NPOAs in Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG).. These strategic documents now guide national conservation efforts for marine turtles, sharks, rays, and seabirds, contributing to regional and international commitments under CMS, CITES, WCPFC, and FAO frameworks. Countries now possess clear frameworks to assess threats, monitor species populations, and engage stakeholders in conservation actions.

In Vanuatu, the NPOA for marine turtles, sharks, rays, and seabirds (2024–2028) was informed by years of ecological monitoring and community surveys, including the first regionally coordinated dataset on marine turtle use. Similarly, in the Solomon Islands, the launch of the Marine Turtle NPOA in July 2024 was combined with a Crocodile Management Plan, showcasing a multi-species, ecosystem-based approach to national marine conservation. In PNG, marine turtle habitat mapping supported local decision-making and provincial planning.

Observer data quality has improved through updated training and tools, resulting in more consistent reporting of shark species, interactions, and release outcomes. This advancement has strengthened the capacity of both countries to meet WCPFC reporting obligations and respond to emerging conservation challenges. The planning processes fostered national ownership and policy coherence, setting the foundation for future developments such as shark sanctuaries, bycatch mitigation research, and regional collaboration on marine species conservation.

Lessons Learned

National ownership, enabled through steering committees and co-branding, increased adoption and follow-through of conservation actions.

Periodic review and updating of NPOAs ensures alignment with emerging conservation priorities and international obligations.

Inter-agency collaboration is essential to address the cross-cutting nature of marine species conservation and trade issues.

Early investment in data collection (e.g., community monitoring of seabirds and turtles, species-specific observer data for sharks and rays) pays off significantly during NPOA formulation and implementation stages.