The Shepherd Islands, in Vanuatu, are dedicated to organic shellfish for the exclusive consumption of food and health supplements. The process began in 2004, when Chief John William Mata'ariki Maa Tui’makatamata established the first marine protected area (MPA) on Emae Island. This was followed by the establishment of high-profit sustainable organic micro-farms for the production of sea cucumbers and sea urchins using MPAs to produce exotic seafood and pharmaceuticals. As part of this process, ecotourism health and wellness centers targeting the high-end tourism market will be established in conjunction with marine protected areas as support measures to provide livelihoods for people with the conservation of their marine ecosystems.