Vanuatu’s fisheries are crucial for food security, livelihoods, and economic stability, but they face mounting pressures from climate change, overfishing, and environmental degradation. Rising sea temperatures, coral bleaching, and ocean acidification are altering marine ecosystems, reducing fish populations and affecting key species like tuna and reef fish, which are vital for local consumption and export. These climate impacts are compounded by unsustainable fishing practices that strain resources, threatening biodiversity and the livelihoods of those dependent on fisheries. Coastal communities, heavily reliant on fishing for protein and income, are especially vulnerable to these shifts. Additionally, extreme weather events like cyclones disrupt fishing operations and damage infrastructure, further limiting access to marine resources. In response, Vanuatu is adopting sustainable fishing practices, establishing marine protected areas, and implementing policies aimed at managing fish stocks. Strengthening local resilience and supporting sustainable fisheries management are critical to safeguarding Vanuatu’s fisheries for future generations.

