Port Vila, Vanuatu (23 June, 2025) – Between 2 and 13 June, approximately 21 participants in Vanuatu completed two micro-qualification courses – Establishing and Operating a Small Seafood Business and Maintaining Seafood Safety and Quality. Delivered for the first time through the Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT), this milestone was made possible through the USP PEUMP project, marking a national first in industry-specific course delivery by a Pacific training institution.
Funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden under the Pacific–European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme, the initiative represents a significant step forward in empowering national institutions and communities with practical, locally delivered training.
“As a Small Island Developing State, Vanuatu places fisheries management at the forefront—promoting sustainable domestic fisheries and aquaculture across our provincial communities.” Said Sammy James, Manager at the Seafood and Verification Agency, Vanuatu Fisheries Department, remarked “these trainings build on our work at the Fisheries Department. They enhance both the business skills and seafood handling practices of local vendors and fishers—helping them provide higher quality, fresher products.”
The program equips participants with critical knowledge and skills to successfully start a small seafood business and maintain high standards of post-harvest safety and quality. Key competencies included proper seafood handling, understanding spoilage and quality degradation, and applying inspection techniques to ensure product standards are upheld from boat to plate.
Taslim Mohammed, Professional Development Coordinator at USP PEUMP, emphasized “at USP PEUMP, we’re proud to support initiatives that not only build skills but also foster environmental stewardship, gender equity, and ocean literacy. Empowering national institutions like VIT to take a leading role is essential as we face growing challenges to our ocean and natural resources.”
Jonathan Tarip, Assistant Vice Principal of VIT, echoed this sentiment “at the heart of this success lies our institution’s vision: to be regionally and internationally recognized for developing competent and innovative individuals for sustainable development. This program proves that our vision is not just aspirational—it’s actionable. We are actively contributing to the growth of skilled leaders who will drive positive change across the region.”
Andrew Morris, East Efate Area Administrator with the Shefa Provincial Council, highlighted the local impact stating that “my priority is ensuring nutrition security before livelihood by strengthening the fisheries sector. These trainings will support the formation of a fisherfolk association in Eastern Efate and help make fish protein more accessible to our communities.”
Looking ahead, USP PEUMP plans to expand this successful model, working with training institutions in countries such as the Solomon Islands and the Republic of the Marshall Islands to deepen regional capacity and broaden access to similar programs.
As one of four key implementing partners in the €45 million PEUMP Programme, USP promotes sustainable ocean management, food security, economic growth, climate resilience, and marine biodiversity conservation. Housed within USP’s Institute of Marine Resources (School of SAGEONS), the program integrates fisheries, community livelihoods, conservation, and training into a cohesive regional strategy for lasting impact.
Media Contact
Lore Croker, USP PEUMP Communications, lore.croker@usp.ac.fj
