CREATING sustainable marine reserves is very important for the conservation and survival of marine resources, says Professor Ciro Rico.
Prof Rico, a panelist at a public lecture on Thursday evening at USP, said the collapse of marine resources needs to be avoided at all costs.
"We as a species are capable of modifying our environment and are capable of bringing to extinction a species that we exploit in a non-sustainable manner," he said.
"More than ever, we are conscious of the necessity to use our natural resources in a sustainable manner and I am hoping that the School of Marine Studies as well as the University of the South Pacific, will be able to provide the scientific advice that is necessary for the preservation of these marine resources."
Prof Rico said in the past 20 to 30 years, a number of previously healthy fisheries had collapsed at the hands of unsustainable fishing methods and poorly managed fisheries.