Training will enhance fisheries officers’ capability to collect data on coastal fisheries in SI

Honiara, 27 April 2023: In an exciting development for the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, a cutting-edge new app called IKASAVEA is set to transform the way fisheries data is collected from fish markets and landing sites in the Solomon Islands.

Developed by the Coastal Fisheries Science and Database Development teams from the Pacific Community (SPC), this state-of-the-art app will greatly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of data collection, allowing for better sampling of markets and fishers and providing more detailed information for managing the fishery.

The SPC team led by Dr Andrew Halford, have been at the forefront of developing this innovative new system for the Pacific and are here conducting training sessions in Honiara and Gizo for staff of the Inshore Division.

With the IKASAVEA app, data collectors can enter information such as species names, length and weight, all of which can be uploaded to a central database. The app also features artificial intelligence (AI) software that can automatically recognise the species and measure its length and weight, eliminating confusion caused by common or local names and saving time.

According to fisheries scientist George Shedrawi, this modern system of data collection will greatly enhance the capability of staff, making them more efficient in their work. “This is a game-changer for coastal fisheries management in the Pacific Islands,” said Mr Shedrawi. “With IKASAVEA, fisheries officers can collect data more quickly and accurately, providing a more complete picture of the fishery. This is vital for managing the sustainability of these resources and ensuring that they remain a valuable source of livelihood for future generations.”

The workshop in Honiara will conclude on Friday before the SPC team leave for Gizo to conduct similar training for fisheries officers there. This is an exciting development for the Solomon Islands, and a clear indication of the SPC’s commitment to advancing the science of fisheries management in the Pacific region.

Francis Pituvaka, Communications Officer