Researchers, government officials, and regional partners gathered last week to discuss the threat of plastic pollution to subsistence fisheries at a workshop hosted at The University of the South Pacific’s (USP), Laucala Campus, with funding from the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research.
The workshop highlighted findings from a multi-country study, showing microplastic contamination levels across 138 fish species consumed by Pacific communities, as well as community perceptions around plastic pollution.
Launched in 2022, the study collected data in Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu during 2023 and 2024 to assess microplastic contamination in fish and document fisher knowledge on plastic sources and impacts.
As the project nears completion, the workshop provided an important opportunity to share preliminary findings with partners and finalise a communication strategy for returning results to participating communities.
Participants discussed the causes and impacts of plastic pollution, the urgent need for improved waste management systems, and the region’s role in Global Plastics Treaty negotiations. The workshop also emphasised the importance of public awareness and the need to bridge gaps between science, policy, and community action.
Key outcomes included commitments to produce accessible technical reports for policymakers, develop infographics and educational materials for communities, and to strengthen collaboration between academia and government departments, particularly those responsible for fisheries and the environment.
The workshop reaffirmed Pacific nations’ leadership in calling for strong, ambitious targets in the Global Plastics Treaty, while also focusing on local implementation through inter-ministerial coordination and community engagement.
The event concluded with a strong call for action: to integrate plastic pollution monitoring into national programmes and empower communities through clear, science-based communication.
