By Pita Ligaiula in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Pacific tuna fisheries remain the healthiest in the world, delivering major economic and social benefits while facing growing challenges from climate change and global pressures, the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) told Pacific Leaders at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara.
“ I am pleased to report that our tuna stocks are in good shape, that is, Skipjack, Yellowfin, Bigeye and Albacore remain biologically healthy — making the Pacific, the only region in the world able to make that claim,” FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said Tuesday.
For 46 years, the FFA has coordinated regional efforts on behalf of its 17 members, carrying forward the vision of leaders in 1979 who united to safeguard oceanic fisheries.
Pakop said the results of this cooperation were clear.
“Together, we have shown that when the Pacific stands together as one, we deliver. We protect our people’s wellbeing, care for the health of our oceans, and carry forward the vision of our Blue Pacific Continent. FFA’s mission is simple but important — to help our Members gain more value from tuna, while ensuring fish stocks remain healthy for generations to come.”
Pakop outlined key achievements, showing how fisheries have translated into stronger economies and livelihoods.
* The region’s fleets now capture 61 percent of the catch value within Pacific waters, up from 38 percent a decade ago.
* Tuna processing has nearly doubled since 2015, reaching 286,000 metric tonnes.
* More than 26,000 people are employed in tuna-related industries, a 19 percent rise since 2015.
* Government revenues from access fees and licenses now total about US$500 million annually, funding essential services such as schools and hospitals.
“These are tangible impacts — tuna fisheries, bringing economic and social gains directly to the people,” he told Leaders.
The FFA chief also highlighted several recent milestones in regional fisheries management.
“The endorsement of the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) has opened the door to renewed focus and efforts on greater value-adding and investment opportunities, noting the recent decision from the Fisheries Ministers meeting on the need to accelerate its implementation,” Pakop said.
He added that, after nearly two decades of discussion, members had agreed on a proportional allocation framework for South Pacific Albacore, a step toward a unified Pacific position at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
Pakop also welcomed the extended Economic Assistance Agreement with the United States under the Treaty on Fisheries, valued at US$60 million annually for 10 years.
He confirmed that delays in U.S payments had been resolved.
“The 2024 payment has now been received and distributed as agreed. This also paves the way for the 2025 payment, in line with the U.S commitment to the Agreement,” he said.
FFA Ministers have also adopted a new Ocean Literacy Initiative, which aims to integrate traditional Pacific knowledge into education systems, ensuring future generations carry forward cultural and scientific understanding of the ocean.
Despite strong progress, Pakop stressed that Pacific fisheries face serious challenges.
“Climate change is shifting tuna stocks eastward and into the high seas threatening the economies of some of our Members. Global economic pressures and distant water fishing interests continue to test our unity. Whilst illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing remains an ongoing challenge, we have built effective surveillance systems that have reduced IUU losses by half since 2016,” he said.
He warned that maintaining regional solidarity and innovation would be key.
“These challenges remind us that we cannot afford to work in isolation. Our strength lies in solidarity, innovation, and staying focused on our Members’ priorities.”
“The progress we have made tells us one thing — working together makes us stronger. As we look to the future, the FFA remains committed to ensuring our tuna legacy benefits Pacific people first and foremost. Let us continue to work together, innovate together, and lead the world in sustainable fisheries management – for our people, our ocean, and our future… iumi tugeda — as one Blue Pacific,” DG Pakop said.
