The Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship (BPEF) is a year-long program designed to support emerging leaders in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Tonga whose ventures advance ocean health, community livelihoods, and sustainable economic growth. The BPEF is made possible by a grant from the Waitt Foundation.

We are pleased to introduce you to the twelve Fellows of the inaugural BPEF cohort—six from the Federated States of Micronesia and six from Tonga—who were selected for their innovative initiatives within the local sustainable blue economy. This fellowship is being implemented in close partnership with government and civil society organizations. 

These 12 Fellows have received a grant from Sustainable Ocean Alliance and are currently participating in workshops and mentorship to help them achieve their goals to advance community resilience through sustainable aquaculture and tourism. 

Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is a large ocean state in the northwestern Pacific, consisting of four States—Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap—and spanning 607 islands. With a deep cultural heritage and diverse marine ecosystems, FSM’s identity and economy are closely tied to the ocean. 

FSM’s blue economy is centered around its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.7 million sq km, making fisheries and subsistence fishing key economic driver for local communities. 

Tourism, particularly diving and eco-tourism, also presents opportunities for economic growth, leveraging FSM’s rich marine biodiversity and pristine waters. The Blue Prosperity Entrepreneur Fellowship in FSM is a partnership between Blue Prosperity Micronesia (BPM) and Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) to support Blue Economy entrepreneurs in the FSM to advance ocean health, community livelihoods, and sustainable economic growth.

FSM Fellows

Krystle Melander: Sustainable Aqua Farming of the Kosraean Mud Crab & Srohsrohl — Kosrae

Krystle Melander, a Kosrae native and co-owner of a local mangrove crab business, is leading an initiative to reduce overharvesting of Kosraean mud crabs by developing a sustainable aquaculture system that also integrates srohsrohl—a local fish species similar to tilapia.

The project has begun with the establishment of a nursery for both species, and as crabs are moved into cages their spawning cycles and growth will be monitored.

Krystle is collaborating with the Utwe Youth Group to enroll local youth in the process, and will engage broader stakeholders to develop conservation strategies and policy recommendations for the Kosrae State Legislature.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School: Fostering Sustainable Economic Growth through Recycling & Culinary Ventures — Kolonia, Pohnpei

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School is launching a student-driven initiative to teach entrepreneurial skills to high schoolers.

The student members of the environmental and culinary clubs—led by teachers Pearcylita Cubacub and Mary Jane Banal as well as principal Russell Figueras (pictured)—will perform biweekly recycling collections of waste they can upcycle into products that can be sold in the local community. Examples include pots and vegetation holders made from old tires, which are not locally recyclable. Concurrently, the students in the culinary club are learning about utilizing local food ingredients to make products they can sell locally.

By combining hands-on sustainability practices with education on waste management and business principles, this initiative fosters environmental responsibility and financial literacy, benefiting both the school and the wider community.

Carlos Kusto: Awak Pah Clam Project Expansion — Pohnpei

The Awak Pah Community, in collaboration with U Katengen MoaroSed, is enhancing livelihoods and marine conservation by expanding its clam farming initiative.

Originally established in 2021 to restore clam populations, the project has shown promising results despite facing challenges due to nearby dredging and open-sea conditions. To improve success, the team will install spat collectors around clam cages, ensuring larvae remain in the area and reducing monitoring demands.

Led by Carlos Kusto, an experienced natural resource manager from Pohnpei, the project aims to scale up operations, host awareness programs, and develop a community-friendly guide to encourage clam replication.

Pohnpei Surf Club: Pohnpei Diving Marketing Initiative — Pohnpei

Allois Malfitani is the founder of Pohnpei Surf Club, a sustainable tourism business in Pohnpei that has been around for twenty years. Allois founded his business due to his passion for the incredible beauty of local marine environments, and he leads regular cleanups on reefs and tourist areas.  

Now with the support of this Fellowship, Allois is developing his company’s brand as well as a campaign highlighting how responsible exploration of the treasures of Pohnpei—like reefs and ancient ruins—preserve marine life and provide sustainable livelihoods.

Yamado Melander: Clam Replanting Project — Utwe, Kosrae

Yamado Melander, a Kosrae State Senator and Utwe Municipal Government member, is leading an effort to restore depleted clam populations and improve coastal water quality in Utwe, Kosrae.

Building on his experience with clam aquaculture in the Utwe Biosphere Reserve, the project will begin with a site survey to assess fish, marine species, and water quality, followed by stakeholder meetings to develop restoration strategies.

At least 3,000 clams will be housed in protective cages, with a monitoring and maintenance plan in place to ensure their survival.

Jason Reiong: Preservation of Sea Cucumber — Weno, Chuuk

Jason Reiong, a Sapuk native with a background in education and community engagement, is leading an effort to restore declining sea cucumber populations in Weno, Chuuk.

To address overharvesting driven by demand from Asian markets and local communities, the project will establish a sea cucumber farm to support species conservation and reef health.

Additionally, the project will work with local leaders to align government policies and traditional practices with modern conservation efforts, developing a plan that ensures long-term preservation while creating revenue for the community.

Kingdom of Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga is a large ocean state in the South Pacific, made up of 174 islands with an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spanning approximately 700,000 sq km. With its rich marine biodiversity, vibrant coral reefs, and seasonal whale migrations, Tonga’s culture, economy, and daily life are deeply connected to the ocean.

Tonga’s blue economy is anchored in fisheries and marine tourism, both of which provide essential livelihoods and economic opportunities. Fisheries are a crucial source of food security, while tourism—particularly whale watching—contributes around 10% of GDP.

To ensure long-term sustainability, Tonga is strengthening marine conservation efforts through protected areas, community-led fisheries management, and seasonal bans that help preserve its marine ecosystems. The Tonga BPEF is a partnership between the Tonga Ministry of Fisheries, the Waitt Institute, the Vava’u Environmental Protection Association, and SOA to support Blue Economy entrepreneurs in Tonga. 

Tonga Fellows

Tahi Tonga: Sailing Tonga — Tongatapu

Co-founded in 2024 by Kaylie and Tomasi Tongia, Tahi Tonga is an eco-tourism company dedicated to expanding sustainable tourism opportunities in Tongatapu, Tonga.

In response to the decline of the local tourism industry following Covid-19 and the 2022 volcanic eruption and tsunami, Tahi Tonga seeks to revitalize tourism and eco-consciousness on Tongatapu by providing environmentally responsible tourism experiences that benefit both visitors and local communities.

Tomasi is one of the most experienced whale swimming guides in Tonga, and leads excursions that are plastic free and utilize local ingredients for meals. To expand their offerings, the company will use grants funds to restore a sailing yacht to offer sailing trips, youth sailing lessons, and ocean awareness programs as well as interactive whale swimming tours.

Lolofi Aleamotua: Mangrove Restoration in Kolomotua for Village Coastal Resilience — Tongatapu

Lolofi Aleamotua, a seasoned environmental project leader and owner of Coastal Green Nursery in Kolomotua, is leading a mangrove restoration initiative to address the widespread loss of mangroves in Tonga caused by unsustainable development.

After witnessing the critical role mangroves played in protecting coastal areas during the 2022 tsunami, Lolofi launched a successful trial in 2023, achieving a 97% survival rate of 40,000 mangroves and enabling Tonga reach its national restoration goal.

Building on this success, the initiative will plant 10,000 additional mangrove propagules, focusing on site restoration, community engagement, and long-term ecosystem resilience to safeguard Tonga’s coastlines.

Sione Manupuna Ika: Monitoring Ecosystem Health & Resilience through Tourism in Makave — Vava'u

Sione Manupuna Ika is working to enhance the conservation of the Makave community-based fisheries area (SMA) by integrating eco-tourism into its management.

His initiative aims to promote sustainable use and awareness of the SMA by showcasing its unique features while highlighting traditional knowledge and management practices.

The project will focus on developing tour guidelines, pricing strategies, and marketing tools to attract visitors, alongside training in tour guiding and safety.

Piula Fonokalafi: Empowering Women in Aquaculture & Eco-Tourism — Vava'u, Tonga

Piula Fonokalafi is creating sustainable livelihoods by blending aquaculture with eco-tourism. With three years of experience in clam farming, Piula is expanding her operations by creating her own spat collectors to collect larvae, freeing her of reliance on outside suppliers to stock and grow her oyster farm.

To complement revenue from pearl farming, Piula will offer eco-tourism experiences, inviting visitors to her family’s traditional Tongan property for refreshments before exploring nearby snorkeling and diving sites connected to the aquaculture area.

Fo'i Tuluta Social Economic & Environmental Development: Tsunami Recovery through Coastal Restoration & Cleanup — Tongatapu

Fo'i Tuluta Social Economic & Environmental Development is a community-based womens group in Tongatapu dedicated to enhancing ocean and community health. The group is addressing the environmental and social impacts of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcanic eruption through marine ecosystem restoration and community restoration efforts.

Their initiative includes capacity-building workshops, debris removal, mangrove restoration, and coral reef rehabilitation, with a strong focus on women’s engagement and local stakeholder participation. To generate new revenue for the villages most impacted by the tsunami and COVID-19 emigration, they aim to establish homestay tours and pilot small scale aquaculture projects like sea cucumber farming.

Faka’anaua Ahohako: Pearl Farming for Biodiversity & Sustainable Economic Opportunities — Vava'u 

Faka’anaua Ahohako, a skilled pearl farmer and tour guide, is expanding her pearl farm by integrating environmental stewardship with sustainable livelihoods.

Her project involves deploying pearl farming structures that double as artificial reefs, enhancing marine biodiversity, improving water quality, and reducing sedimentation.

As an artist, she will craft handmade pearl designs, infusing each piece with Tongan cultural heritage. To showcase her work and build industry connections, Faka’anaua will present her creations at an upcoming pearl event, while also engaging communities and visitors through educational pearl farm tours.

Sustainable Ocean Alliance would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the following BPEF partners: 

FSM: Blue Prosperity Micronesia (BPM)

Tonga: Waitt Institute, Tonga Ministry of Fisheries, Vava’u Environmental Protection Association (VEPA)

This inaugural Fellowship will conclude at the end of 2025, but we hope the impact will last well into the future as these initiatives work to conserve these vital marine environments.