Casting a line for improved lives through tuna fishing

About the Project

Located in the South Pacific region, the Solomon Islands’—a fragile situation country made more vulnerable through the effects of climate change—ranks among the poorest of the world. With 30 percent unemployment, and only a small role for large-scale agriculture given the scarcity of large areas of flat land, the nation depends heavily on its vibrant fisheries sector as a sustainable source of economic growth. The tuna industry accounts for 18% of the country’s GDP.

Supporting a more productive and resilient fisheries sector in the Solomon Islands has the potential to sustain livelihoods, improve nutrition, and increase government tax revenues. In the long term, investment in the fisheries sector is expected to contribute to the security and equity of the country. In 2017, IFC and GAFSP made an investment of US$10 million to National Fisheries Developments Ltd (NFD) to support sustainable tuna production and employment in the Solomon Islands. The new financing helps fund the purchase of new fishing vessels and ensures maintenance of the existing fishing fleet. IFC will provides advisory services to promote best practices in environmental and social risk management. The investment consists of a blended finance package of up to US$30 million for NFD, consisting of support from IFC and GAFSP of US$15 million each. The funding was made across three separate US$10 million commitments and disbursements, the first of which was made in 2017. The funding allows the purchase of up to three new fishing vessels and will expand NFD’s capacity by nearly 70 percent.