Introduction
Maritime environments are home to numerous animal and plant species, some of which are yet to be discovered. However, human activities pose a significant threat to marine biodiversity due to overfishing, pollution, destruction of coastal and marine habitats, gas and oil extraction, and the introduction of invasive species that make ocean environments inhabitable. Samoa is a nation in the pacific islands, well-known for its rich culture and maritime resources. Like other territories bordering the Pacific, Samoa is exposed to adversities that threaten the benefits of its coastal resources. Nevertheless, the country has made significant advancements in ocean management and conservation by adopting and adhering to marine regulations provided by international laws.
Samoa is a small country made of nine islands located in the central South Pacific Ocean. Its largest island, Savai‘i, covers 1,707 square km (659 square miles) and the second largest island extends 1,100 square kilometers (Fenner, 2019). According to data provided by the United Nation, the region hosts about 201,330 individuals but is home to rich marine life and biodiversity (Guerrero-Ruiz et al., 2021). A majority of Samoans share a Polynesian cultural heritage, which upholds practically exploiting the environment. Their main food and source of proteins include invertebrates, canned fish, and Finfish. Its major sources of income include agriculture, accounting for about two-thirds of its GDP, forestry, and fishing (Crichton et al., 2020). Its exclusive economic zones (EEZ) comprise 29, 000 square kilometers of sea beds, subsoils, and sea areas that are adjacent to and beyond its territorial region (Quimby, 2019). Ocean resources significantly contribute to the nation’s heritage and economic growth.
Fishing is a highly valued social and economic activity in Samoa. Fish farmers in the region generally practice small-scale fishing for subsistence and commercial purposes. Particularly, individuals living around the coastline are more indulged in fishing since the shallow waters allow them to adopt simple and accessible fishing methods (Graham & D’Andrea, 2021). A medium-income household in Samoa consumes fish most days of the week. Although the most common types of fish in the area are the Finfish and Tuna, individuals also consume invertebrates such as octopuses, beche-de-mer, and giant clams (Gillett et al., 2018). The widely adopted fishing methods are diving, long lining, and spearing fish in lagoons. Coastal fishing for subsistence and commercial purposes provides sufficient amounts for regional consumption and export (Crichton et al., 2020). However, the nation also depends on fish farms along the coastline to boost its fish production.
Aquaculture and fishing significantly contribute to the economic stability and GDP of Samoa since a majority of its population depend on fishing. More than a quarter of households in the region receive income occasionally from fishing activities (Guerrero-Ruiz et al., 2021). In 2015, the total production of fish in the region was estimated at 8,700 tonnes, with most of it coming from fish farming in freshwater ponds. As a result, fisheries constituted about 3.4% of the nation’s GDP during that financial year. In addition, the exports and imports of fish and fish products were estimated at $13.4 and $8.6 respectively (Pratt et al., 2022). Moreover, more than 10,000 people actively engage in fish farming, allowing it to become a major source of employment and sustenance. Therefore, fishing holds a central position in the positive development of Samoa and its continuous growth.
National Laws that Control the Use of Ocean Resources and Fishing in Samoa
The Samoan government is dedicated to ensuring that ocean resources are sparingly and efficiently utilized. As a result, it has set up various social and legal frameworks to guide the use of ocean resources and champion appropriate fishing techniques. The Fisheries Management Act of 2016 is one of the national regulations established to control and manage marine activities in the region. The act provides specific guidelines regarding the conservation and management of freshwater fisheries and marine aquaculture in Samoa. Moreover, it dictates the protocol for processing, marketing, and distribution of fish and fish products in the area. Particularly, the act intends to eradicate unregulated, illegal, and unreported fishing around its territory. As a result, the government closely works with community members and the general public to achieve initiatives.
An International Law that Influences Fishing Policies
At its regional level, Samoa adheres to international strategies, laws, regulations, and management strategies stipulated by the Pacific Islands Regional Ocean Policy (PIROP) and the Pacific Plan. PIROP was established in the late 90s to advocate for appropriate ocean governance (Graham & D’Andrea, 2021). Over the years, the policy has been developed to incorporate conservation and management practices including education initiatives, maintaining a healthy ocean, promoting cooperation in the use and sustenance of ocean resources, and the continuous support of oceans environments and maritime resources to ensure sustainable and beneficial use by individuals occupying the areas (Quimby & Levine, 2021). On the other hand, the Pacific Plan is a treaty aimed at advancing regional cooperation, security, sustainable development, and good governance in nations bordering the Pacific. However, it pays attention to maritime life and conservation initiatives by advocating for the peaceful use of ocean resources, integration and cooperation, and improving individuals’ understanding of marine resources (Quimby, 2019). These frameworks enable the government to collaborate with international partners and players to improve the quality of their maritime resources and ensure their benefit to the people.
Conclusion
The Samoan Islands constitute several other nations that border the southern Pacific Ocean, encouraging it to depend on fishing as one of its main economic resources. Particularly, fishing is a source of employment, source of food, and social activity as the region’s rich heritage is based on its association with its marine resources and traditional cultures. Due to the critical role marine resources play in Samoa, its government oversees adherence to national and regional laws and regulations to address ocean resource utilization and ocean management. Particularly, the fisheries management act has significantly improved resource utilization and the quality of fish farm produce in Samoa because of increased access to education and training on how to rare healthy fish. In addition, the act obligates the government to pay more attention to small-scale fish farmers, hence facilitating a more organized fish industry and connections with global markets. As a result, Samoa has turned fishing into a lucrative venture for its citizens thus boosting the region’s economy and improving its citizen’s living status.
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