Abstract
This article explores Niue’s pioneering efforts in sustainable fisheries management within the context of small island developing states (SIDS) in the South Pacific. As a nation with limited terrestrial resources, Niue relies heavily on its marine environment for economic stability, cultural identity, and food security. The paper examines Niue’s innovative approaches, such as community-led conservation initiatives, the establishment of marine protected areas, and participation in regional treaties and intergovernmental organizations. Through a situational analysis and a review of existing literature, the challenges of overfishing, climate change, and illegal fishing are highlighted, alongside Niue’s responses to these threats. The discussion emphasizes the role of the Niue Treaty and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in enhancing regional cooperation for sustainable fisheries. Recommendations are provided for strengthening policy frameworks and fostering global partnerships to support Niue’s efforts. The paper concludes that Niue’s model of sustainable fisheries management offers valuable lessons for other SIDS and contributes to the broader discourse on ocean governance.
Introduction
The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and provides a critical source of protein, livelihoods, and cultural value to millions of people worldwide. For small island developing states (SIDS) like Niue, the ocean is not merely a resource but the foundation of national identity and economic survival. Niue, a small Pacific island nation with a population of approximately 1,600 and a land area of 260 square kilometers, is surrounded by an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of over 390,000 square kilometers. This vast marine territory offers immense potential for fisheries but also presents significant challenges in terms of sustainable management amidst global pressures such as overfishing, climate change, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Niue has emerged as a leader in sustainable fisheries management in the South Pacific through innovative approaches that blend traditional knowledge with modern conservation strategies. The nation’s commitment to protecting its marine resources is evident in initiatives such as the creation of the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area, one of the largest conservation areas in the world relative to a country’s size, covering 40% of its EEZ. Furthermore, Niue’s active participation in regional treaties and intergovernmental organizations underscores its dedication to collaborative ocean governance. This article examines Niue’s strategies for sustainable fisheries, situating them within the broader context of regional cooperation and global ocean sustainability goals, particularly those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
The paper is structured as follows: a situational analysis of Niue’s fisheries sector and the challenges it faces, a literature review of sustainable fisheries management in SIDS, a detailed discussion of Niue’s innovative approaches and their connections to intergovernmental frameworks, policy recommendations for enhancing these efforts, and a conclusion summarizing the broader implications of Niue’s model.
Situational Analysis
Niue’s economy is heavily dependent on its marine resources, with fisheries contributing to food security, tourism, and limited commercial revenue through licensing agreements for tuna fishing in its EEZ. The primary species targeted include yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, and albacore, which are critical to the regional tuna fishery—one of the most valuable in the world. However, Niue faces a range of challenges in managing these resources sustainably. Overfishing, driven by global demand for tuna, threatens fish stocks, while climate change exacerbates these issues through ocean warming, acidification, and shifting migration patterns of key species.
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is another significant concern, as Niue’s vast EEZ is difficult to monitor with limited resources. The nation’s small population and geographic isolation further constrain its capacity for enforcement and infrastructure development. Despite these challenges, Niue has made remarkable strides in addressing these issues through innovative conservation measures. For instance, the establishment of the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area in 2017, covering 127,000 square kilometers, prohibits commercial fishing and resource extraction in a significant portion of its waters, aiming to preserve biodiversity and ensure long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
Niue’s efforts are also shaped by its cultural values, where the concept of “fakaalofa” (love and respect) extends to environmental stewardship. Community-driven initiatives, such as seasonal fishing bans and customary marine tenure systems, reflect a deep-rooted commitment to conservation. However, these local efforts must be supported by broader regional and international mechanisms to address transboundary issues like IUU fishing and climate change impacts. Niue’s engagement with intergovernmental organizations and treaties, such as the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Niue Treaty, provides a critical framework for such collaboration, as discussed later in this paper.
Literature Review
Sustainable fisheries management has been a central focus of academic research, particularly in the context of SIDS, where marine resources are both a lifeline and a vulnerability. Scholars such as Bell et al. (2013) highlight the dual challenges of economic dependence on fisheries and the ecological risks posed by overexploitation in Pacific Island nations. They argue that effective management requires a combination of local knowledge and scientific approaches to balance economic needs with conservation goals. Similarly, Govan (2011) emphasizes the importance of community-based resource management in Pacific SIDS, noting that customary practices often align with sustainability principles but require formal recognition and support within national policies.
The role of regional cooperation in fisheries sustainability is another prominent theme in the literature. Hanich and Tsamenyi (2009) discuss the significance of intergovernmental organizations like the FFA in coordinating efforts to combat IUU fishing and manage shared fish stocks, particularly tuna, in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. The FFA, established in 1979, has been instrumental in harmonizing policies among member states, including Niue, through mechanisms such as the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and regional observer programs. Furthermore, the Niue Treaty on Cooperation in Fisheries Surveillance and Law Enforcement in the South Pacific Region, signed in 1992, has facilitated joint enforcement efforts among Pacific Island nations, as noted by Clark (2015). The treaty’s multilateral subsidiary agreements, such as the Niue Treaty Multilateral Subsidiary Agreement (NTMSA) finalized in 2012, further strengthen regional collaboration by providing a legal framework for shared surveillance and information exchange.
Recent studies also underscore the growing impact of climate change on Pacific fisheries. Hoegh-Guldberg et al. (2017) project significant declines in fish stocks due to rising sea temperatures and changing ocean currents, posing existential threats to SIDS like Niue. These studies call for adaptive management strategies that integrate climate resilience into fisheries policies. Additionally, global frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the SDGs provide overarching legal and policy guidance for sustainable fisheries, with SDG 14 explicitly targeting the conservation and sustainable use of oceans. Niue’s alignment with these frameworks, as explored by Parris (2020), demonstrates its commitment to global ocean governance while addressing local needs.
Despite the wealth of literature on sustainable fisheries, there remains a gap in detailed case studies focusing on Niue’s specific approaches. While its initiatives are often mentioned in broader regional analyses, few studies provide an in-depth examination of how Niue integrates traditional practices with modern conservation tools and regional cooperation. This paper seeks to address this gap by offering a comprehensive analysis of Niue’s innovative strategies within the context of intergovernmental frameworks.
Discussion
Niue’s approach to sustainable fisheries management is characterized by a blend of local innovation and regional collaboration. At the heart of its strategy is the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area, a groundbreaking initiative that designates a significant portion of its EEZ as a no-take zone. This bold move not only protects marine biodiversity but also serves as a natural replenishment area for fish stocks, benefiting both Niue and neighboring countries through the spillover effect. The initiative reflects Niue’s commitment to balancing short-term economic needs with long-term ecological sustainability, a model that aligns with global calls for large-scale marine conservation under SDG 14.
Complementing this conservation effort are community-led management practices rooted in Niuean culture. Traditional practices, such as the declaration of “fono” (temporary fishing bans) during certain seasons or in specific areas, demonstrate an intrinsic understanding of sustainable resource use. These practices are supported by national policies that integrate customary marine tenure into formal governance structures, ensuring community ownership and compliance. Such an approach resonates with findings from Govan (2011), who argues that community engagement is critical for the success of conservation initiatives in Pacific SIDS.
However, Niue’s small size and limited resources necessitate collaboration beyond its borders. The nation’s active participation in the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) exemplifies its commitment to regional cooperation. The FFA facilitates joint initiatives such as the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, which enhances monitoring and enforcement capabilities across member states’ EEZs. Niue benefits from shared technologies like satellite-based Vessel Monitoring Systems and training programs for fisheries officers, addressing capacity constraints that would otherwise hinder effective management. Recent meetings of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) in Niue, as reported in 2025 by regional news outlets, underscore the ongoing dialogue on tuna sustainability and ocean governance, with Niue playing a central role in shaping regional priorities.
The Niue Treaty on Cooperation in Fisheries Surveillance and Law Enforcement in the South Pacific Region is another cornerstone of Niue’s sustainable fisheries framework. Signed in 1992 and entering into force in 1993, the treaty fosters collaboration among Pacific Island nations to combat IUU fishing through joint surveillance and information sharing. The multilateral subsidiary agreement (NTMSA) adopted in 2012 further operationalizes these commitments, allowing for coordinated patrols and enforcement actions. Niue’s adherence to the treaty demonstrates its recognition that sustainable fisheries cannot be achieved in isolation; transboundary fish stocks and illegal fishing require collective action. As noted on the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s website, the treaty and its agreements provide a legally binding framework for regional cooperation, which is essential for small nations like Niue with limited enforcement capacity.
Niue’s efforts also align with broader international frameworks such as UNCLOS, which establishes sovereign rights over fisheries resources within a nation’s EEZ while mandating conservation responsibilities. By engaging with global initiatives and treaties, Niue positions itself as a responsible steward of marine resources, contributing to international goals for ocean sustainability. For instance, its marine protected area initiative supports the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the Convention on Biological Diversity, reinforcing global efforts to protect 10% of marine areas by 2020—a target now extended under the post-2020 biodiversity framework.
Despite these achievements, Niue faces ongoing challenges that test the resilience of its sustainable fisheries model. Climate change poses a significant threat, with shifting fish migration patterns and coral reef degradation impacting local fisheries. Additionally, while regional cooperation through the FFA and the Niue Treaty has strengthened enforcement, IUU fishing remains a pervasive issue due to the vastness of the Pacific and the sophistication of illegal operators. Economic pressures, including the temptation to prioritize short-term revenue from foreign fishing licenses over long-term conservation, also loom large. These challenges highlight the need for adaptive management strategies and greater international support to sustain Niue’s innovative approaches.
Recommendations
To build on Niue’s progress in sustainable fisheries management, several recommendations are proposed for policymakers, regional organizations, and the international community. First, Niue should continue to strengthen community-based management by formalizing traditional practices within national legislation. Providing training and resources for local communities to monitor and manage marine resources will enhance compliance and foster a sense of ownership over conservation outcomes.
Second, investment in technology and capacity building is critical to address enforcement gaps. Niue should seek partnerships with international donors and organizations like the FFA to access advanced surveillance tools, such as drones and artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring of its EEZ. Training programs for fisheries officers should be expanded to build expertise in data analysis and climate adaptation strategies.
Third, regional cooperation must be deepened through the Niue Treaty and FFA frameworks. Member states should prioritize funding for joint surveillance operations and establish a regional fund to support SIDS like Niue in combating IUU fishing. Additionally, the international community should recognize and support Niue’s marine protected area as a global model for conservation, providing financial and technical assistance to expand such initiatives across the Pacific.
Fourth, climate resilience must be integrated into Niue’s fisheries policies through adaptive management approaches. This includes conducting regular stock assessments to monitor the impacts of climate change on fish populations and developing contingency plans for shifting fishing grounds. Collaboration with scientific institutions and intergovernmental bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) can provide the necessary data and expertise for informed decision-making.
Finally, Niue should leverage its diplomatic relations, such as recent ties with nations like the Philippines, to advocate for greater global attention to SIDS-specific challenges in international forums. Aligning its policies with SDG 14 and other global frameworks will ensure that Niue’s voice is heard in shaping the future of ocean governance.
Conclusion
Niue’s innovative approach to sustainable fisheries management offers a compelling model for small island developing states grappling with the dual imperatives of economic development and environmental conservation. Through initiatives like the Niue Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area and community-led conservation practices, Niue demonstrates that local action, grounded in cultural values, can yield significant outcomes for marine sustainability. Its commitment to regional cooperation through the Niue Treaty and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency further amplifies the impact of these efforts, addressing transboundary challenges such as IUU fishing and climate change.
While Niue faces ongoing challenges, including limited resources and global environmental pressures, its proactive engagement with intergovernmental organizations and treaties positions it as a leader in ocean governance. The recommendations provided in this paper aim to strengthen Niue’s framework by enhancing community involvement, adopting technology, deepening regional partnerships, and prioritizing climate resilience. Ultimately, Niue’s journey toward sustaining the ocean’s bounty underscores the importance of integrating local, regional, and global efforts to achieve a balanced and sustainable future for marine resources. Its model holds valuable lessons for other SIDS and contributes to the global discourse on achieving SDG 14 and beyond.
References
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