Nature-based solutions to aquaculture: A way forward for aquaculture development in Pacific Island countries

Abstract

By 2030, 115,000 tonnes of fish will be needed to maintain the current demand for food fish in the Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There is also a need to sustain the current fish supply for Pacific Islanders. Aquaculture is a potential sector that can contribute to fish production in the PICTs. However, the sector is only emerging and is still faced with several constraints. These constraints include technical ones: tenure rights andgood governance; biosecurity concerns; availability of flexible financial support; and viable input and output markets. In the long term, this ‘business-as-usual’ approach to aquaculture is necessary to drive the sector’s growth in the PICTs. In the short term, however, attempting to overcome these barriers with limited resources will only perpetuate the sector’s stagnant growth. An alternative trajectory for aquaculture development is needed: one that enables the sector to realistically operate and grow within the identified constraints, fulfil the economic and social benefits of aquaculture but also prioritise its environmental aspects. It should also build upon indigenous food system practices and ensure resilience to climate variability and change. Nature-based solutions (NbS) to aquaculture is a potential pathway for aquaculture development that can support a climate-smart, socially inclusive, nutrition-sensitive, and economically efficient sector in the PICTs.