Shark Tagging Strengthens Niue’s Ocean Management
Championed by the lovely Jess Cramp, Over the past seven years Sharks Pacific has been working closely with Niue Ocean Wide (NOW), the Department of Fisheries, and local communities to deepen our understanding of one of the ocean’s most important species, sharks. Through the deployment of both satellite and acoustic tags, this pioneering work has allowed Niue to monitor shark movements across seasons and years, uncovering valuable insights into their behavior, habitat use, and migration patterns.
“We’re really fortunate to be partnered with the NOW team and Government of Niue on this project. We work alongside the teams really well. Our goal is to both preserve livelihoods and species, because species can’t thrive unless communities are thriving. Our partnerships are what will make this lofty goal possible”
– Jess Cramp –
These tagging efforts are more than just scientific milestones; they are powerful tools for community-informed decision making. By tracking where and when sharks move, we’re able to share this knowledge with village communities and fishermen, ensuring that traditional fishing practices remain sustainable and that our marine ecosystems continue to thrive. The data also supports the refinement of local conservation measures within Niue’s marine protected area, Niue Moana Mahu, ensuring a balance between cultural heritage, food security, and biodiversity protection.
For charter operators, this research adds significant economic value, enhancing Niue’s reputation as a world-class ecotourism destination for responsible shark encounters. Tourists seeking authentic ocean experiences can now engage in activities that are not only thrilling but also contribute to ongoing marine conservation.
Fakaue lahi to Sharks Pacific, Niue’s fishermen, and all partners who continue to keep our ocean guardians in safe waters.
(Photo credit: Sharks Pacific)
Empowering Communities, One Proposal at a Time
Niue Ocean Wide Trust workshop brought together RMACs for a session of collaboration, clarity, and progress.
With a shared commitment to uplifting our villages, we focused on refining project proposals and ensuring every community voice is heard. From updates to hands-on support, this gathering was all about supporting RMACs to move forward. Fakaue lahi ,for the energy, insights, and dedication in the room. Together, we’re building pathways for sustainable impact proposal, one step at a time.
Strengthening Data Governance for Marine Spatial Planning
The NOW Trust has reached out to SPC directly and through the New Zealand funded MSP CabSmart Program to assist Niue in developing and maintaining important data management systems. These are need to support monitoring of impacts and conservation investments for reporting and adaptive management.
Facilitated by Malcolm Fraser from SPC, in collaboration with the Niue Ocean Wide Trust (NOW), initiated a Data Governance for MSP Workshop, held at the beautiful Scenic Matavai Resort. A session that brought together key stakeholders from government, NGOs, and technical sectors to explore how Niue can strengthen its marine data systems to support Marine Spatial Planning (MSP).Participants were introduced to SPC’s Pacific Data Hub and the Data Governance Maturity Tool, followed by engaging discussions on how local data practices can support long-term ocean stewardship. The atmosphere was vibrant, collaborative, and filled with forward-thinking ideas about Niue’s digital and environmental future.
The second day of the Data Governance Maturity Workshop brought together our Resource Management Advisory Committee (RMAC) members for an inspiring and thought-provoking session on data governance and sovereignty, not as abstract ideas but as practical tools for grassroots empowerment.
We had special session with Lucy Jacob of MFAT (MSP CabSmart Program) having rich discussions, reflective, and deeply grounded in the lived realities of Niue’s communities. Together, participants explored how data can guide local priorities, inform decision-making, and strengthen village-led stewardship of our ocean spaces. Listening to community perspectives and traditional knowledge, learning about the role of data in shaping sustainable futures and lifting voices ensuring inclusion in Niue’s digital and environmental journey.
Fakaue lahi to Malcolm Fraser (SPC) and Lucy Jacob (CabSmart Program) for their thoughtful facilitation. Their ability to bridge the technical and the cultural helped create meaningful dialogue, a reminder that true transformation begins when innovation and identity move together. Together, we continue advancing Niue’s vision for data-informed, culturally grounded ocean management, empowering our villages to lead with knowledge, confidence, and care.
NOW Trust Holds first casting off workshop with Village RMACs
The NOW Trust recognizes the important role stakeholders hold in progressing the crucial work and goals of the Trust. NOW has been able to facilitate workshops and consultations this year, engaging groups and entities on the island which included, Government Departments, local government bodies, NGOs, Non-profit organizations, Community groups, and re-mobilizing the fourteen village Resource Management Advisory Committee’s (RMAC’s) that were set up for every village on the island. During the last consultations in re-mobilizing the Village Council groups and RMACs, NOW Trust announced that a total of $280k has been committed to all villages to facilitate Marine Spatial Plans and this will continue for the next three years with a view to continue over the next 20 years, and hopefully in perpetuity.
NZ Navy HMNZS Manawanui teams up with Niue Ocean Wide
NZ Navy HMNZS Manawanui teams up with Niue Ocean Wide assisting in aids to navigation and monitoring Niue’s Marine Protected Area (MPA). NOW representatives together with 5 other Niuean authorities from government departments ventured approximately 120 nautical miles out to sea for an inspection at Beveridge Reef.
Links to Articles – Navy teams up with NOW
https://tvniue.com/2022/07/navy-contingent-on-exercise-tropic-twilight-share-careers-advice/