One of the major threats to ocean biodiversity are invasive aquatic species transported by human activity. The PacMAN project aims to develop a monitoring program for marine invasive species in the Pacific Island states. In collaboration with local stakeholders in Fiji and the University of the South Pacific, as well as scientific experts from the marine field, PacMAN will set up a cost-effective and accessible protocol that utilizes environmental DNA methods to provide early warnings of invasive species. The project will define the steps and train local scientists from initial sampling, sample processing and DNA sequencing, to data management plans. We will develop a decision support tool for policy makers, and in this way facilitate the protection of the marine ecosystem and the services it provides.