The Institute of Marine Resources and the Division of Marine Studies of the University of the South Pacific, in collaboration with Macquarie University (Australia) and the University of Wisconsin- Platteville (US), offers two 3-week courses on Tropical Marine Ecosystems in the beautiful marine environment of Fiji. For Macquarie University and other Australian students, this course is offered at the beginning of each year (January – February). For the University of Wisconsin Study Abroad Program and other US students, this course is offered around June-July. The course can also be taken by USP students as a non-credit course.

IMR promotes the sustainable use of resources and enhances the process of technology transfer through the following training programs:

The Tropical Marine Ecosystems Course introduces students to the Pacific Islands' unique marine ecosystems and biodiversity, reef-associated plants and animals. This is an intensive 3-week programme based at the University of the South Pacific's Lower Campus, and taught by marine biology experts based in Suva, Fiji. Students will gain first hand knowledge of the problems of managing marine resources in the South Pacific.

1. Aquaculture

• Quality seed production of Giant Freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and Tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus). Seed production of Tiger prawns can also be provided subject to funding;
• Hatchery management;
• Farm grow-out, management and marketing of products;
• Aquaculture site selection, farm design and economic modeling;
• Aquaculture practical training for regional fisheries officers and private sector partners.

2. Coral Reef Monitoring (South-West Pacific GCRMN Country Coordinators)

• Database use and analysis;
• Coral reef monitoring methods.

3. Cetacean

• Cetacean species identification, behaviour, and research methodology.

4. Specific topics on Reef Fauna & Flora

• Coral identification;
• Reef plants identification.