Government Launches Ocean Use Survey in Torba
TORBA, VANUATU — The Government of Vanuatu’s Department of Oceans and Maritime Affairs, in partnership with Blue Prosperity Vanuatu and the Torba Provincial Government, has launched an Ocean Use Survey in Torba as part of a nationwide effort to strengthen sustainable ocean management and implement the newly enacted Vanuatu Ocean Act.
The Ocean Use Survey documents how community members use and value the ocean, including cultural and spiritual sites, transportation routes, fishing grounds, and economic livelihoods, creating a lasting record of community knowledge.
"By documenting the traditional, cultural, and economic ways our people rely on the sea, we are ensuring that kastom knowledge and community priorities are built into the foundation of how we manage our ocean, not just today, but for the future," said Toney Tevi, Acting Director of Maritime and Ocean Affairs.
Following the successful completion of the pilot Ocean Use Survey conducted in Emau Island in December 2025, a team of locally-based enumerators has been trained to visit coastal communities across Torba over the next few months to map where ocean activities occur and identify which areas hold the highest importance to communities.
Data will be collected using SeaSketch, a digital mapping platform that captures how people use and value the ocean, and will inform the Marine Spatial Plan, governing new economic activities and protected areas. This information will be anonymous and meant to provide insight so that the Government can best create management that supports each community's needs.
"Each voice matters, and this is very important work for the future of our people," said Albert Ruddley, Secretary General of Torba Province. "We invite all chiefs and community members to share their knowledge through interviews and mapping sessions so that we can improve the health of our ocean and related economic opportunities.”
The Ocean Use Survey builds upon the recent Blue Prosperity Vanuatu Coral Reef expedition, which studied coral, fish, and water quality across all provinces. The expedition found that Torba's Vot Tande island harbors the highest coral cover in the country.
"It is important to combine the knowledge of our people with what is happening underwater," said Toney Tevi. "This gives us a full picture to build a plan for our waters that will benefit every person."
Learn more at blueprosperityvanuatu.org
About the Ministry of Fisheries, Oceans, and Maritime Affairs (MFOMA)
MFOMA is the Government of Vanuatu's lead agency responsible for integrated ocean governance and sustainable marine development. Its mandate covers fisheries, aquaculture, maritime activities, and ocean management, ensuring marine resources are protected while supporting national development.
About Blue Prosperity Vanuatu
Blue Prosperity Vanuatu is a partnership between the Government of Vanuatu and the Waitt Institute to sustainably manage Vanuatu's ocean. The partnership focuses on growing Vanuatu's economy, strengthening community resilience, securing fisheries, and protecting ocean habitats so people, nature, and the economy thrive together.
Media Contact:
Toney Tevi
Director for the Department of Oceans and Maritime Boundaries
Ministry of Fisheries, Oceans, and Maritime Affairs
Ellian Bangtor
ebangtor@blueprosperityvanuatu.org
Communications Coordinator
Blue Prosperity Vanuatu