Through the Vavau Ocean Initiative, the Ministry of Fisheries (MoF), the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Risk Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication (MEIDECC), the Vavau Governors Office, Vavau Environmental Protection Association, Waitt Institute signed Memoranda of Understanding in April 2017 to support scientific assessment and monitoring of marine resources.

This Initiative includes three major components: (1) marine scientific survey of the nearshore coral reef ecosystems in the Haapai and Vavau island groups; (2) evaluation of existing community fisheries catch data and monitoring programs; and (3) literature review of relevant marine research. These three components will support fisheries management, marine conservation, and the development and implementation of a marine spatial plan.