Search the SPREP Catalogue

The purpose of the Guiding Framework is to support anyone or any institution planning and implementing invasive species projects or programmes on islands in the Pacific. To this end, this document lists the essential components of a comprehensive and effective invasive species management programme. It has been compiled in consultation with experts and Pacific Island countries and territories, to support them in developing their invasive species work and to guide regional and international agencies. The Guiding Framework has been endorsed by all countries and territories in the Pacific islands region and the metropolitan countries with jurisdictional responsibilities in the Pacific via the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and Pacific Community (SPC) Meetings.

Ocean and land are not separate systems, what happens in one influences the other. In this way, what happens on every Pacific island has an impact on the surrounding ocean. In the past, nutrients would flow from land to sea to keep reefs and seagrass beds healthy. Seabirds and turtles bring marine nutrients to land when they breed.

These are some dangers that impact all marine species, fishing, climate change, plastic pollution and coastal development.

Seabirds spend most of their lives at sea, but they need to come back to land every year to breed. Seabirds nest everywhere from high mountainous islands to low-lying atolls.

Sharks and rays have existed for over 400 million years. Some species are top predators. Others, like whale sharks, eat only plankton. They are all a crucial part of a balanced ecosystem

Whales and dolphins are very long-lived like human and only reproduce slowly. It takes many generations for their populations to grow.

Turtles are reptiles which means temperature can change the sex of their babies while they grow in the egg. Warming temperatures caused by climate change mean there will be more female turtles hatching than males - a problem when it comes to making next generation of turtles.

We need there to be less plastic pollution in the ocean. It is important to think about where things go when we throw them away and we need to make sure they don't end up trapping a dolphin or being eaten by a albatross.

Our vision is for a healthy Pacific Ocean with thriving populations of all marine species, which will assure the aspirations of Pacific island peoples and protect their natural and cultural heritage.