COVID-19 Impacts on Fishing and Coastal Communities

Boy paddling in Madang Lagoon, Papua New Guinea. Photo: Toni Parras

The global COVID-19 pandemic is having a major impact across the globe and on all segments of the population. The effects on Pacific Island countries and territories have been extremely varied: Some countries have had to manage viral infections while others are so far managing to keep the virus entirely from their shores. In all cases the national responses have many potential implications for coastal communities but these need better understanding if international and government responses are to be most effective and suit the particular circumstances of different villages and countries.

To help improve decision making at all levels, this page will be dedicated to sharing relevant information, updates and links to better respond to the current challenges.

LMMA posts and reports:

Rapid Assessment Tool Launched to gauge impact of COVID-19 on coastal communities

Fiji: WCS Fiji and LMMA Network. Covid Update #1 Fiji. 26.05.2020

Solomon Islands: LMMA Network and Wale. Covid Update #2 Russell Islands. 30.05.2020

Solomons Islands: WorldFish Report: Changes and Adaptations in Village Food Systems in Solomon Islands

FSM: LMMA Network, KCSO and TRCT. Covid Update #3 FSM 15.06.2020

Fiji: WCS Report: COVID19 impact on IndoFijians in the coastal fisheries sector: Fiji 01.07.2020

Timor-Leste: Blue Ventures Summary Report: COVID Impacts on Fisheries in Timor-Leste

PNG: LMMA Network, PNGCLMA, WCS PNG. Covid Update #4 PNG 16.07.2020

Tonga: LMMA Network and VEPA. Covid Update #5 Tonga 10.08.2020

Fiji: LMMA Network, CI, FLMMA, Reef Explorer, WiFN-Fiji. Covid Update #6 Fiji 20.08.2020

Vanuatu: COVID-19 Restrictions amidst cyclones and volcanoes