Two officers from the Coastal Fisheries Division’s Training and Information Unit have returned from a one-week mission to Tamana. The mission aimed to:

• Conduct a follow-up assessment of an established community business;

• Deliver post-harvest and value-added fisheries training; and

• Conduct consultations on the proposed reopening of a regulated shark fishery.

The team assessed the operations of Toronibwaia Ainen Tamana, an established sustainable community business. It was agreed that the business would be monitored over the next three months. If no satisfactory improvement is achieved within this period, the Ministry may consider transferring responsibility for the business to another interested community or village.

The team also delivered practical post-harvest and value-added training, including the preparation of tuna sausages and seaweed ice cream. The training aimed to strengthen local skills and encourage communities to generate income by adding value to locally available marine resources.

A community consultation on sharks was also conducted. It provided background information on the Shark Sanctuary Regulation 2015 and outlined the proposed plans for regulated shark fishing. Discussions also highlighted the ecological importance of sharks and the need to balance conservation with the sustainable use of marine resources.

Overall, the mission contributed to the broader objectives of promoting the sustainable use of marine resources, supporting community livelihoods, and strengthening local capacity.

The team sincerely acknowledges the Mayor of Tamana, the Island Clerk, the Tamana Island Council, the Fisheries Assistant, and the Tamana Women’s Organisation (MAT) for their valuable support and assistance throughout the mission. Special appreciation is also extended to the Tobwaan Waara Project for providing the funding that made this mission possible.