In Solomon Islands, an archipelago made up of almost 1,000 islands, fish is an important source of food and income. Most rural people live on coasts, small islands, and atolls and rely on agriculture as a main source of rural employment and livelihoods.
Fish accounts for 57% of total animal-source protein intake and is essential for nutritional wellbeing. Average fish consumption is high, ranging from 33 kg to 111 kg/person/year.
Around 30% of the total population depends on fishing for an income. The 2009 census reports that 11,607 people are employed in fisheries, with 1800 people employed directly in the local tuna industry.
Annual fish exports are around 299,692 kg for finfish and commodities, and around 7669 metric tons for tuna. While there is no commercial aquaculture production in the Solomon Islands, the country does export/produce seaweed, which in 2014 was around 600 metric tons.