The School of Marine Studies (SMS) lies within the new Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE). SMS is an interdisiplinary School, integrating science (Marine Science Program) and social science (Marine Affairs Program). The School also supports marine programmes in other sections of FSTE, and other Faculties in the University. The diverse marine programmes are coordinated by the Head of School for SMS. The teaching and research programmes are developed through the Marine Studies Advisory Board.

SMS Academic Programme branches in two disciplines namely:

• Marine Science Program
• Marine Affairs Program

The School of Marine Studies Mission is to:

• Assist Pacific Islanders to understand, conserve, develop, manage and utilize their living and non-living resources in a rapidly changing world.

• Provide Pacific Islanders with the widest possible range of opportunities for research, education, training and employment in the marine sectors.

• Encourage collaboration within the institutions of the University of the South Pacific, island nations, regional and international bodies for the sustainable development of the marine resources

Our key areas are:

• Marine Affairs (Law of Sea, ocean policy, economics, management)
• Sustaninable fisheries (inshore, offshore, management)
• Aquaculture
• Coral reefs & marine biodiversity (ecology, conservation, management)
• Coastal management (processes, issues, planning)
• Atolls and small islands (sustainable development, climate change)
• Oceanic societies (Pacific peoples, community based management)

The School of Marine Studies also provides support services to all marine-related activites at the University, including the operations of a research vessel and small boats to accesss to the field, and a dive facility