SIMA head Thierry Nervale (L) and Director of Fisheries Edward Honiwala (R) signing the MOU early this week
MFMR & SIMA sign landmark MOU
Honiara, 4 June 2026: The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) today formalized a new partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening collaboration to safeguard the nation’s marine environment and fisheries resources from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
Under their respective mandates, MFMR is responsible for the management, development, monitoring, and conservation of fisheries and marine resources, while SIMA oversees vessel registration, maritime affairs, and marine pollution control. Fishing vessels remain the common denominator linking both institutions, and this MOU provides a clear framework for joint action.
Through this partnership, MFMR and SIMA will:
- Enhance monitoring and surveillance of fishing vessels operating in Solomon Islands waters.
- Implement Port State measures to strengthen compliance with international obligations under UNCLOS and other regional agreements.
- Conduct joint inspections and investigations to address IUU fishing, marine pollution, and marine litter.
- Share information and build capacity to improve operational procedures and enforcement.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Christain Ramofafia, Permanent Secretary of MFMR, emphasized the importance of the agreement:
“By strengthening this cooperation, we are not only improving compliance and enforcement, but we are also safeguarding the livelihoods of our people. Our communities depend heavily on the ocean for food and income, and this partnership ensures that our fisheries and marine resources are sustainably managed for future generations.”
The MOU reflects the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty over fisheries and marine resources, ensuring sustainable harvesting, and preserving the ocean environment for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders.
A handshake marked another milestone commitment between the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), strengthening ongoing collaboration to safeguard Solomon Islands’ marine resources.