Micoast Supporting Community-based Fisheries Management in Micronesia

08/21/2026

Want to know about the great CBFM work happening in Kosrae state, FSM? MiCOAST Partner Kosrae Conservation & Safety Organization - KCSO recently published their second quarterly newsletter for 2026, sharing updates from April to June.

The issue highlights the organisation’s ongoing work across environmental education, community engagement, sustainable agriculture, and conservation. Check out the newsletter to learn more about what KCSO and their partners have been working on!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BbNfQEja4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Shared with Dropbox

08/14/2026

📢CONSULTANCY OPPORTUNITY - Junior Content Creators📢

The MiCOAST Project is looking for two Junior Content Creators (one based in the Marshall Islands and one in Pohnpei, FSM) to help us tell the story of community based fisheries management across the region. 🐟🌊🏝📸🎬

Email [email protected] to apply now!

08/07/2026

🏝️🌍 Learning from each other, strengthening pathways to resilience. 🌊🎣🐟

These films were funded by and created in partnership with Pacific-Community-SPC.

This initiative was funded and supported by the regional MiCOAST project, which is part of OneReef WorldWide Stewardship. MiCOAST is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, La politique étrangère du Canada – Affaires mondiales Canada, Canada in the Pacific, European Union in the Pacific, AFD - Agence Française de Développement and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

08/06/2026

🇫🇲🏝️ John Alokoa believes that protecting Kosrae’s reefs isn’t just about monitoring coral or collecting data—it’s about ensuring that future generations inherit healthy oceans and understand why they matter. 🌊🪸

As Marine Programs Assistant with the Kosrae Conservation & Safety Organization - KCSO, John spends much of his time in and around the ocean. His work includes coral reef monitoring, collecting biological data, supporting marine research and analysis, and helping deliver community consultations and environmental education programs in schools.

“KCSO’s work is about helping our people manage and protect our natural resources for the future,” John explains. 🌿🐟

In Kosrae MiCOAST supports KCSO to work on its marine monitoring program, but also strengthening CBFM in Kosrae and its youth engagement through its flagship environmental education program. Through the environmental education program, John and the team go to every school in Kosrae teaching 8th graders about the importance of reef conservation and in particular protecting herbivore fish, as well as mitigating the impacts of climate change. They then bring all the youth together for their annual Youth2Youth event, bringing the school children they’ve been teaching out to the conservation areas to learn directly about their local environment and its protection. While scientific monitoring is an important part of his job, it’s working with young people that John enjoys most.

“I really like teaching others, especially the younger generation,” he says. “I want them to understand what’s happening in our environment so they’re aware of it and can continue learning. Hopefully, they’ll come back one day and help support this work too.” 📚🌱

That passion for sharing knowledge reflects one of MiCOAST’s core goals—building local capacity so communities can lead the stewardship of their own marine resources. 🎣

For John, MiCOAST has opened doors that extend far beyond . The project supports many of KCSO’s community activities, including youth programs, school outreach and reef monitoring, while also creating opportunities to learn from conservation practitioners across Micronesia and beyond.

“One of the best things about MiCOAST is being able to meet experts, exchange ideas and learn from people working in the same field,” he says. “We share challenges and solutions, and we can bring those lessons back home to improve our work.”

One experience that stands out is collaborating with marine scientist Peter Houk and the University of Guam on biological reef surveys. After collecting monitoring data in Kosrae, the team worked together to analyse the results—revealing an important trend that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.

“We found that fish populations are increasing, but the fish themselves are getting smaller,” John explains. “Without monitoring, we wouldn’t have known that.”

For John, this demonstrates why long-term community-based monitoring is so important. Good data helps communities understand what is happening beneath the surface and provides the information needed to make informed decisions about managing their marine resources.

Perhaps the biggest transformation, however, has been John’s own.

Before joining KCSO, he admits he rarely thought about the environment or what the future might hold.

“Before, I didn’t really care about the environment or what may happen to it in the future”, he reflects. “After I started working with KCSO, I started to see how important our environment is. If we don't take good care of it, all of this will be gone.”

“Now I dedicate my time and effort to helping conserve and protect our environment.” 🏝️🌍

Local conservation leaders are not only protecting reefs today—they are inspiring the next generation to become the stewards of tomorrow. 🌅

Photo by Ziggy Skilling.

This initiative was funded and supported by the regional MiCOAST project, which is part of OneReef WorldWide Stewardship. This initiative was funded and supported by the regional MiCOAST project. MiCOAST is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, La politique étrangère du Canada – Affaires mondiales Canada, Canada in the Pacific, European Union in the Pacific, AFD - Agence Française de Développement and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

08/06/2026

🇫🇲🐟 For Rickson Washington, the future of community-based fisheries management is growing in floating fish cages just offshore.🐠

As an Aquaculture Technician and member of the technical team at the Marine and Environmental Research Institute of Pohnpei (MERIP), Rickson works on a range of marine conservation initiatives, from giant clam, coral and sponge farming to aquaculture research. MiCOAST is supporting his team to help support communities farm rabbitfish. 🪸🦪

“We work on a lot of interesting projects,” Rickson says. “But fish farming is probably the one I’m most excited about.”

For Rickson, rabbitfish farming offers a practical solution to some of the biggest challenges facing coastal communities. By raising fish close to home, families can reduce pressure on wild reef fisheries while strengthening their own food security and livelihoods. 🍛💵

“When people have fish cages next to their homes, they don’t always have to go out and catch fish from the reef,” he explains. “It helps reduce pressure on our fisheries while providing food and income for communities.”🏝️

Working closely with farmers has shown Rickson how quickly these benefits can make a difference. Many families are already harvesting rabbitfish directly from their cages instead of buying fish, reducing household expenses while ensuring a reliable source of fresh protein.

“The biggest success I’ve seen is that families are spending less money on food,” he says. “Instead of buying fish, they harvest from their own cages.” 🐠

Some farmers are also beginning to sell surplus fish, creating an additional source of income. Others are using their harvest to contribute to important cultural and traditional events within their communities.

For Rickson, all of these outcomes represent success because they strengthen both community wellbeing and the sustainability of Pohnpei’s marine resources.

Looking ahead, he hopes to see many more families adopting rabbitfish farming.

“My hope is that farmers will continue using the fish for their own families, but also be able to sell some and earn an income.”
That vision was reinforced during MiCOAST’s regional learning exchange in Palau, where Rickson joined conservation practitioners from across Micronesia to share experiences and learn from one another.

“The biggest thing I learned was about fisheries management,” he says. “It helped me see how fish farming can support the management of our marine resources.”

Hearing about conservation efforts across the region also strengthened his belief that aquaculture has an important role to play alongside community-based fisheries management.
“Most people in Pohnpei depend on fish for both food and income,” Rickson explains. “If more communities take up fish farming, there will be less pressure on people to fish every day.”

His vision is simple but powerful: healthy fish cages supporting healthy reefs.

“I believe that if fish farming expands across Pohnpei, our reef fish populations will recover. We’ll see more fish, bigger fish and healthier reefs for the next generation.” 🌅

People like Rickson Washington are showing how local innovation can help communities meet today’s needs while protecting tomorrow’s resources. By working hand in hand with farmers and investing in sustainable aquaculture, he is helping build a future where thriving communities and thriving reefs go hand in hand.
🤝

Photo by Hannah Jean Wheaton.

This initiative was funded and supported by the regional MiCOAST project, which is part of OneReef WorldWide Stewardship. MiCOAST is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, La politique étrangère du Canada – Affaires mondiales Canada, Canada in the Pacific, European Union in the Pacific, AFD - Agence Française de Développement and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

08/06/2026

🌊🏝️ Exploring what looks like in action in Micronesia: we have different models and contexts, but common principles and values. 🪸🎣🤝

These films were funded by and created in partnership with Pacific-Community-SPC.

This initiative was funded and supported by the regional MiCOAST project, which is part of OneReef WorldWide Stewardship. MiCOAST is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, La politique étrangère du Canada – Affaires mondiales Canada, Canada in the Pacific, European Union in the Pacific, AFD - Agence Française de Développement and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

08/06/2026

🇫🇲 🏝️ For two decades, Francesca "Fran" Obispro has been working alongside communities across Pohnpei, helping people protect the natural resources that sustain their families and culture. 🏞️🐠🪸

As the Terrestrial Programs Manager for the Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP), Fran wears many hats. While her role focuses on terrestrial conservation, working in a small team means she works across every project —from environmental education and community outreach to supporting marine conservation initiatives like MiCOAST. 🌊🐟

Fran first joined CSP in 2006 as an Ethnobotany Coordinator before becoming Terrestrial Programs Manager in 2009. This year marks twenty years with the organisation, a milestone that reflects her deep commitment to conservation and to the people of Pohnpei.

Ask Fran what she enjoys most about her work, and the answer comes without hesitation.

“I love working with communities,” she says. “Community meetings and going out into the field are my favourite parts of the job.”

For Fran, conservation has always been about people. Building relationships, listening to communities and working together to find practical solutions are what keep her motivated after twenty years in the field.

MiCOAST is supporting CSP to deliver include fisheries management plan development in Kitti and other provinces, community Savings Clubs across Pohnpei and the campaign to encourage and teach sakau farmers to grow their sakau in the lowlands rather than clearing forest in the uplands, called Grow Low. 🌱🌴

Although her background is in terrestrial conservation, MiCOAST has given Fran the opportunity to learn alongside fishers and become more involved in community-based fisheries management.🎣🚤

“MiCOAST is a really broad project,” she explains. “I’m learning about fisheries from the fishermen themselves, and I’m excited to work with all of the different partners involved.”

What excites her most is the opportunity to build on decades of conservation experience in . CSP has worked with communities on resource management for many years, and Fran sees MiCOAST as a chance to learn from both past successes and past challenges. Grow Low is one of the initiatives Fran is particularly passionate about. She hopes the first demonstration farms will inspire others to follow.

“We’ve done the (Grow Low campaign) before, so now we can look at what worked, what didn’t, and how we can improve as we move forward.”

“I want people to see what one farmer has achieved and be encouraged to do the same,” she says.

Many older farmers have shared that reaching upland forests has become increasingly difficult for them, the younger generations continue to travel into these fragile environments to plant sakau. Fran believes demonstrating successful lowland farming offers a practical alternative that benefits both communities and the island’s forests.

“If younger farmers can see the results and decide to try it themselves, that would be a real success.”

Conservation is built on long-term relationships, local knowledge and a willingness to keep learning. After twenty years with CSP, her passion for working alongside communities remains as strong as ever, helping ensure that healthy forests, reefs and fisheries continue to support future generations. 🌅

This initiative was funded and supported by the regional MiCOAST project, which is part of OneReef WorldWide Stewardship. This initiative was funded and supported by the regional MiCOAST project. MiCOAST is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, La politique étrangère du Canada – Affaires mondiales Canada, Canada in the Pacific, European Union in the Pacific, AFD - Agence Française de Développement and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

08/05/2026

🏝️🐟🪸 Community-based fisheries management does not happen alone. Behind every workshop, community meeting and restoration project is a team making sure everything happens—from organising logistics to managing finances. 📘📚💵

For Berthalynn Ngirasechedui, Finance Officer at OneReef Micronesia in Palau, being part of that team has opened the door to an entirely new world. 🇵🇼🌍

Bertha joined OneReef Micronesia in August 2025 after building her career in banking and retail finance. It wasn’t the path she had imagined for herself. 🏞️

When she saw that One Reef was hiring she thought it looked fun, she had seen their work and liked the idea of getting out into the community.

She admits, “I was very scared because I have no knowledge of the environmental section or conservation or traditional knowledge but…you can't really get anywhere if you're stuck in your comfort zone.” She thought to herself, “I'm just going to take a shot at it.”

It was a leap into unfamiliar territory.

Today, Bertha manages procurement, payments and financial processes that help keep conservation projects running. Like everyone in the small OneReef Micronesia team, she also steps beyond her job description whenever needed.

“We’re a small team, so it’s all hands on deck,” she says. “I help with logistics for field activities, and I really enjoy getting out of the office.”

Although she describes herself as still learning, Bertha has embraced every opportunity to absorb new knowledge.
“I feel like I’m a sponge,” she says. “Everything I’ve learned has been important. I didn't know much about mangroves until I started working here. Through my work with the OneReef team, I have gained a deeper appreciation for Palauan language and traditional knowledge that I’ve been able to use for community engagements.” 🌿🌳

Each new experience has deepened her appreciation for the work happening in communities across the country. 🌅

One highlight was attending the MiCOAST Roots to Reef regional learning exchange, where conservation practitioners from across Micronesia came together to share experiences and ideas.
She found it interesting to hear community leaders, traditional knowledge holders and conservation experts discuss the future of community-based fisheries management in Palau.

The experience also reinforced something she values deeply about Palauan society—the strength of women leaders.

“My director, Kiblas Soaladaob, has been a tremendous source of inspiration,” Bertha says. “Her leadership motivates me to be more passionate about the work we do every day. She leads by example, always encouraging us, lifting us up, and making us feel supported.”

Conservation is powered by many different skills. Whether organising logistics, managing finances or supporting field teams, every contribution helps communities protect the natural resources they depend on. Sometimes, taking a chance outside your comfort zone doesn’t just change your career—it helps strengthen conservation across an entire region.🤝🗺️

Photo taken by Taylor Gray.

This initiative was funded and supported by the regional MiCOAST project, which is part of OneReef WorldWide Stewardship. This initiative was funded and supported by the regional MiCOAST project. MiCOAST is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, La politique étrangère du Canada – Affaires mondiales Canada, Canada in the Pacific, European Union in the Pacific, AFD - Agence Française de Développement and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

08/04/2026

🪸 🐠 For Kiblas Soaladaob, conservation has always been about people as much as places. Whether protecting cultural heritage or restoring mangrove forests, she believes the strongest conservation outcomes come from listening to communities and learning from the knowledge they have carried for generations. 🌱🌳

As Country Director for OneReef WorldWide Stewardship, Kiblas is relatively new to the organisation, but she brings with her years of experience working alongside communities to safeguard Palau’s cultural heritage. Before joining OneReef, she led Palau’s Bureau of Cultural and Historical Preservation, helping communities protect historic sites and preserve traditional knowledge for future generations. 📚🌴🇵🇼

“I wanted to come back to the environmental sector,” she explains. “Working in government meant there was a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy. What I really missed was being out in the field—working directly with communities, asking questions, listening and learning about what’s happening on the ground.” 🏞️

That opportunity to reconnect with communities has been one of the most rewarding parts of her new role.

In just a few months with OneReef Micronesia, Kiblas has been working alongside communities restoring mangrove channels and learning about the many ways these ecosystems support island life. 🌿

“I love hearing the knowledge people have about mangroves,” she says. “How different species are used for building homes and meeting houses, their medicinal properties, and the many traditional uses that have been passed down through generations. That’s the kind of knowledge I really enjoy documenting and learning about.”

For Kiblas, protecting natural resources also means protecting the cultural knowledge connected to them.

One idea that has particularly inspired her through MiCOAST is finding new ways to share traditional ecological knowledge with children.

“We often talk about engaging youth,” she says, “but I think we should also think about younger children. Research shows that the early years are when knowledge is most easily absorbed, so when we look at traditional ecological knowledge, can we then make resources for children? How do we make it more culturally contextualized?”

She sees this as an exciting opportunity to blend conservation, culture and education—helping ensure that future generations grow up with a strong connection to both their environment and their heritage.

Kiblas also values the opportunity MiCOAST creates for organisations across Micronesia to learn from one another.

“What I’ve found really empowering is seeing how different organisations work with communities,” she says. “Before any activities are implemented, they invest time in building relationships and making sure that things are in place to ensure they can progress.”

She points to fellow MiCOAST partner the Kosrae Conservation & Safety Organization - KCSO as an example, particularly their success in engaging young people through environmental education. “Seeing what they’ve achieved makes you think about what we can adapt and replicate in Palau."

Outside of work, many people know Kiblas for another passion—music. I am a musician and I like to sing…I haven't really tapped into my composition skills yet, but I'm getting there.” She would love the chance to collaborate with youth and kids through her music. 🎧🎶

🌍🌅 Conservation is about more than protecting ecosystems. It is about strengthening the relationships between people, culture and nature, and ensuring that traditional knowledge continues to inspire and guide the next generation of ocean stewards. 🌊🏝️🤝🏾

Photo taken by Taylor Gray.

This initiative was funded and supported by the regional MiCOAST project, which is part of OneReef WorldWide Stewardship. This initiative was funded and supported by the regional MiCOAST project. MiCOAST is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, La politique étrangère du Canada – Affaires mondiales Canada, Canada in the Pacific, European Union in the Pacific, AFD - Agence Française de Développement and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.