The Division of Marine Studies (DMS) assists island countries understand, develop and sustainably use their marine resources. DMS offers a wide range of interesting courses which focuses on the coastal and marine resources of the Pacific Islands and their management. Marine resources have always been essential for the Pacific Islanders. Marine Studies are a priority in the University.
The University of the South Pacific services 12 island countires, made up of thousands of scattered islands, spread over around 40 million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean.The total area of their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) is approximately 13.4 million square kilometers.
The importance of Marine Studies for the Pacific people
EEZs are vast and the region is rich in coral reefs and marine life, and has unique biodiversity values. Mangroves and coral reefs provide fish and shellfish for subsistence and commercial sale. Offshore waters provide tuna for exports. Coral islands and reefs support growing tourism industries.
The marine environment is under pressure from growing human populations and development. Many islands are small in size, and natural resources are very limited. Many coral reefs are declining from overfishing, pollution, terrestrial runoff and uncontrolled tourism development. Industrial fisheries are threatening tuna stocks, poaching is widespread, and island communities gain minimal economic benefit from their offshore fisheries bleaching. Low islands and coral reefs are particularly threatened by global climate change. Ecologically sustainable development is essential.
Ocean resource management is more important now than ever before. New approaches are needed to asist communities, the private sector and national governments in sustainable development of marine resources.
Please enjoy your visit to our site, which we hope will answer some of your questions on marine research in Fiji and the South Pacific region.
