Adapting to climate change in Samoa’s coastal fisheries : can policy frameworks and associated aquaculture initiatives make a difference? : a research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development, Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand

Abstract

Pacific Island countries are at the forefront of climate change, which is having a significant, detrimental impact on their coastal fisheries. The proliferation of extreme weather events, coral bleaching, and ocean acidification, paired with human-caused environmental degradation, is significantly impacting the sustainability of Pacific costal marine environments and resources. In Samoa, climate change and environmental degradation has put pressure on already struggling coastal marine environments and is depleting the country’s coastal fish stocks. If this depletion continues, coastal fishery production will inevitably fall and further burden food security in Samoa. Pacific regional and national frameworks such as the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and The Samoa Ocean Strategy 2020-2030 are attempting to address these impacts, including through the introduction of aquaculture as a climate change adaptation mechanism. Samoa has recently trialled an aquaculture initiative that looks to revitalise limu (Caulerpa racemose) seaweed farming and is investing in a hatchery for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to support established but minor, freshwater fish farming efforts in Samoa. Drawing on qualitative research methods and fieldwork in Samoa, and through employing an indigenous development theoretical lens, this thesis explored whether regional and national frameworks adequately address the needs of coastal fishing communities. It also investigated whether aquaculture initiatives for climate change adaptation can serve to counter depleting coastal marine resources, and therefore, serve as a viable adaptation solution for Samoan coastal fisheries. The research revealed that, for the most part, regional and national adaptation strategies do integrate the needs of coastal fishing communities who bear the brunt of climate change and other environmental impacts. As a long-term adaptative mechanism for climate change and food security, however, there are divergent opinions on the viability of limu and tilapia farming to mitigate declining food security. In contrast, participants were all in strong agreement around the importance protecting traditional coastal fisheries by drawing on traditional knowledge and ecosystem-based adaptation measures. In the Samoan context, current aquaculture initiatives appear to lack scalability and fail to garner the cultural and social by-in to provide a viable strategy for enhancing food security.