Samoan communities revive fisheries with customary fishing rights

The following case study is part of a set that illustrate the Food Systems Call to Action in motion. Each story demonstrates innovative solutions and collaborative efforts across sectors, geographies, and communities, highlighting how food systems are being transformed.

Context: Samoan fishing, once managed sustainably by village chiefs, was disrupted by colonization, leading to overexploited fisheries by the 1980s. Legislative reforms have since restored traditional fishing rights through TURFs, boosting fish stocks and community support. Funds amounting to 1.5 million SAT$ were allocated for the period of 2022-2027 to strengthen community based fisheries management.

Partners : Safata District Community, Samoan Government
Duration : Ongoing since 2000
Location : Safata District, Samoa (Upolu Island)

Impact Achieved :

• Increased abundance of food fish and other species.

• Restocked populations of clams and other species through a government-supported reseeding strategy.

• Reduced illegal fishing and improved compliance with fishing regulations.

• High community engagement and support for sustainable marine resource management.

• Additional income generated from tourism activities related to the marine protected areas.

• Supports women’s livelihoods

• Increase consumption of culturally valued and nutritious foods

• Increase the supply of domestically produced foods

Description :
The Samoan Safata District Customary User Rights Program is a community-based initiative focused on sustainable fisheries management within the Safata District's traditional fishing grounds. Based on a 2016 law, villages are granted authority over a fisheries management area. With government support, the district established a Territorial Use Rights for Fishing (TURF) system that empowers local communities to manage marine resources. The initiative includes the creation of 10 no-take reserves to protect biodiversity and ensure fishery sustainability. As of 2022, 123 communities are covered by community-based fisheries management, and there are 111 active management sites. The program integrates traditional management practices with modern conservation methods, fostering collaboration between community leaders, government bodies, and international organizations. The initiative not only secures food sources for the community but also promotes marine conservation and boosts local livelihoods through tourism and sustainable fishing practices. Future goals include supporting the integration of women and youth into the fisheries value chain and increasing nutrition knowledge among the population.

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The Food Systems Call to Action is a global initiative that urges non-state actors and governments to take immediate steps to transform food systems by 2030. It highlights the urgent need for resilient, sustainable, and equitable approaches that support food security, protect nature, and address climate change. Through targeted actions and principles, the Call to Action emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity—ensuring that farmers, frontline workers, Indigenous communities, and other key players are at the forefront of decision-making and implementation.