The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has commended the Solomon Islands Government for its continued investment in fisheries development following the opening of a new Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources office in Noro, Western Province.
FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop, who attended the official opening on 10 November 2025, said the new office demonstrates the Government’s recognition of the fishing industry’s vital role in the country’s economy.
“The establishment of the new Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources office in the Western Province, particularly in Noro, marks a very significant commitment by the Solomon Islands Government,” said Pakop.
“This milestone demonstrates the Government’s recognition of the fishing industry’s vital contribution to the country’s economic development. Noro Township itself thrives because of the operations of National Fisheries Development Ltd (NFD), a fishing company, and Soltuna, a tuna-processing facility. Both play complementary roles in sustaining fisheries operations in Noro.”
Pakop said the new office ensures the Government is present “where the industry operates and plays such an important role in economic growth.”
“At present, around 30 percent of total fish production from Solomon Islands waters goes into the Soltuna cannery. This represents a major contribution to employment, income, and national economic activity. The fishing and processing operations in Noro account for the country’s largest employment in the private sector,” he said.
Pakop said bringing the Ministry’s services closer to Noro will help the industry grow sustainably.
“For the industry to continue growing, Government support is essential. Establishing the Ministry’s office in Noro allows key services to be delivered directly to where they are needed. This is the most effective approach to supporting sustainable growth in the fisheries sector.”
He added that the move sets an example for other Pacific nations to consider.
“This initiative is also an example for other Pacific countries to consider, by bringing their fisheries authorities closer to where the industry operates. Proximity enables better facilitation of exports, imports, fish landings, and processing activities, while ensuring compliance with national and international standards,” he said.
Pakop also highlighted the importance of whole-of-government coordination in supporting fisheries growth.
“It is encouraging to see that alongside this new fisheries office, other Government departments, including Finance, the Data Centre, and Police, are also developing their presence in Noro. This collective effort brings services closer to the people and provides stronger, more coordinated support for industry.”
He said the FFA’s regional support is now reaching national and provincial levels through capacity-building and partnerships.
“For the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, we are pleased to be part of this milestone achievement. We are witnessing how the capacity and support that FFA provides to Members at the regional level are now being applied effectively at the national and provincial levels.”
He said the presence of Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Fisheries Minister Bradley Tovosia at the opening underscores the importance of the fisheries sector to national development.
“It demonstrates that the Solomon Islands Government is prioritising fisheries development, and rightly so. Fisheries remain a key driver of the Solomon Islands economy, not only nationally but across the wider Pacific region, which contributes more than half of the global tuna supply.”
Pakop congratulated the Solomon Islands Government and the people of the Western Province for what he described as “an important milestone that reflects continued leadership and commitment to sustainable fisheries development.
