Sustainable development requires the integration of science, social science and economics. Coastal and marine resources management particularly requires integrated catchment and coastal management approaches. DMS is an interdisciplinary School branching in two major disciplines namely Marine Science Program and Marine Affairs Program. It also works closely with the School of Geography to integrate island/ocean studies.

Sustainable management of marine resources requires a good understanding of coastal and marine ecology (especially mangroves, seagrass and coral reefs); biodiversity (status and conservation); oceanography, fisheries and other extractive uses; and environmental and human issues and threats.

Science Programs
DMS offers:

1. BSc in Marine Science (in collaboration with the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment);
2. Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Studies;
3. MSc;
4. PhD

New Programs

In order to meet the changing needs of Pacific Island countries, DMS has recently developed a new, flexible Certificate/Diploma/Degree in Sustainable Fisheries, in collaboration with SPC Fisheries. It is also planning specialised BSc in Marine Biology and Marine Environmental Science with the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment, and BA in Pacific biodiversity conservation with the Division of Geography.

Career Opportunities

Marine Science & Fisheries studies provide students with an understanding of Pacific marine science and resources management, and practical research and field skills. Graduates obtain employment in a wide range of areas such as:

• National Fisheries & Environment Departments
• Fishing, aquaculture & fish processing industries
• National & regional natural resources management agencies (eg SPC, FFA)
• Conservation NGOs (eg WWF, FSPI, WCS)
• Research institutions
• Education (School & University)
• Tourism industry

Brief Program Outline

Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Science is a prescibed program therefore candidates pursuing a degree in this discipline need to successfully complete the following courses.

* Course is also offered in DFL mode (distance and flexible learning)

The coast and ocean play an important role in the social, economic, cultural and wellbeing of Pacific Island peoples. Pacific Island countries' national boundaries comprise far more water than land (thousands of times in some cases). The ocean is our livelihood and future.

The goals of the Programme are:

• To broaden awareness in the region of the ocean's potential and the need for proper management;
• To enhance the skills of personnel who are now charged with the duty of managing the ocean area under national jurisdiction;
• To meet the region's needs for personnel who would take up decision making and advisory role in areas that deal with policy and planning, negotiating, implementing and monitoring treaties and agreements and managing regional and bilateral programmes involving marine resources;
• To undertake research and consultancy in areas of marine resource management, development and conservation.

Management Programs
Marine Affairs offers:

• Certificate in Ocean Resources Management;
• Diploma in Ocean Resources Management and Policy;
• Diploma in Fisheries Economics and Management;
• BA single or double major, or minor in Marine Affairs;
• Postgraduate Diploma;
• MA;
• PhD

Career Opportunities

Marine Affairs studies focus on governance, planning, legislation, policy formulation and decision-making, at a political, government departmental and international level. Graduates obtain employment in areas such as:

• Governmentand regional agencies [Fisheries policy, marine surveillance & enforcement, Extension, Environment, Education, Foreign Affairs, Policy, Justice, Planning, Shipping & Trade, Tourism, Mineral resources, Energy)
• Private sector [environmental consultants, industry managers)
• NGO lobbyists & regional organisations Coastal managers & developers

Brief Program Outline

The BA degree courses in Marine Affairs are designed to give students a comprehensive view of ocean affairs in light of the extensive changes in the area brought about by the Law of the Sea Convention (1982). The courses are aimed at people who on graduation will be responsible for policy formulation and decision making on the development and management of ocean resources and other marine uses; for example department of foreign affairs, justice, economic and central planning, fisheries, mineral resources, environment, shipping and trade, energy, tourism etc. The Marine Affairs courses represent one major (or a minor) for the BA degree, and candidates can also major in another discipline such as Economics.

* Course is also offered in DFL mode (distance and flexible learning)

The importance and value of fisheries and marine resources

Fisheries have sustained Pacific Island people from the time of first settlement to the present. Fisheries are not only a way of life, but are also life to most Pacific Island communities. Inshore fisheries are essential for the livelihood of rural communities, in terms of nutrition, income generation and cultural values. The offshore migratory tuna resources, on the other hand, provide a major source of employment, economic development and foreign exchange for many Pacific Island countries. Fisheries and marine resources will continue to play an important and vital role in the social, economic and political well-being of Pacific Island countries, now and in the future. As such, the need for sustainable development and management approaches are essential in the utilization of marine resources in order to ensure their sustainability in the long term.

The goals of the Program:

• To promotes holistic ‘sustainable fisheries’ in the Pacific Islands.
• To provide tertiary training opportunities for Pacific Island nationals in the area of sustainable fisheries development and management.
• To develop and enhance the capacity of Pacific Island nationals on contemporary approaches to fisheries and marine resources management.
• To facilitate capacity building, career progression, and promotes professional development in Fisheries.
• Permits Pacific Island nationals to obtain higher and recognized tertiary qualifications in Fisheries.
• To meet the region’s needs for well trained and qualified nationals to man regional and national Fisheries institutions and organizations.

Study programs to be offered

• Certificate in Sustainable Fisheries Development and Management (offered in 2008).
• Diploma in Sustainable Fisheries (offered later).
• Degree in Sustainable Fisheries (offered later).

Areas of study and career opportunities

Sustainable Fisheries studies provide students with a good understanding of:

• The concept and principles of sustainable development and management;
• The role and application of science in sustainable fisheries development and management,
• The role and application economic principles in sustainable fisheries development and management.
• The role and application of governance, communication and extension in sustainable fisheries development and management.
• Fish capture and gear technology in the context of sustainable fisheries.
• Aquaculture and post harvest and their roles in sustainable fisheries.
• Practical Research skills.

As such, graduates will be able to obtain employment in a wide range of sectors, such as:

• National Fisheries Departments
• Fishing industry (fishing, processing, management)
• Conservation NGO’s (Greenpeace, WWF  etc etc)
• Regional Fisheries Organizations (SPC, FFA, USP, WCPFC)
• Community based organizations
• Environment Departments
• Fisheries Training Institutions
• Maritime Sector (shipping etc etc)
• Tourism industry.
• Community based organizations

Brief program outline

A.Certificate in Sustainable Fisheries (OFFERED IN 2008)

MS111*, MS112, MS207, BI108*, EC100* plus one (1) of MS204*, MS206, IS100* MA102* BI102* BI104* PH102*, PH106* or other courses required with approval of Head of School.

B.Diploma in Sustainable Fisheries (OFFERED LATER – TO BE ADVISED)

• Year 1: Same as courses as in Certificate in Sustainable Fisheries (6 courses)
• Year 2: MS201*, MS202/BI202, MS203* plus three (3) of MS205, MS204*, BI201, GE201* MS213* or other courses required with approval of Head of School.

C.Degree (BAppSc) in Sustainable Fisheries (OFFERED LATER – TO BE
    ADVISED)

• Year 1: MS11*, MS112, MS207, BI108*, EC100*, CS100* plus any two of MS204*, MS206, MA102* BI102* BI104* PH102* PH106* or other courses required with approval of Head of School.
• Year 2:Same courses as in Diploma in Sustainable Fisheries
• Year 3: MS303, MS301*, MS307, MS305 plus any two of MS324, MS313, MS302 MS306, MS304, B1304, MS311, GE304* or other courses required with approval of Head of School.

* Asterisk indicates that a particular course is also offered by DFL mode (distance 
   flexible learning).

Contact Information

Dr. Joeli Veitayaki , Associate Professor and Head of Division
Division of Marine Studies,
Email: Joeli Veitayaki
Ph: 679 3232960

Satalaka  Petaia, Lecturer,
Division of Marine Studies
Email: Satalaka Petaia
Phone: 679 3232950