Fiji stands ready to work alongside Members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and development partners to advance offshore fisheries, particularly tuna, which remain among the region’s most significant economic assets.
Fiji’s Minister for Fisheries, Alitia Bainivalu, made this remark while delivering the keynote address at the second FFA Development Partner Symposium in Suva Tuesday morning.
The two-day Symposium brings together 17 FFA Member governments and development partners for focused discussions on sustainable tuna fisheries across the Pacific.
Held under the theme “Casting Together for Impactful Fisheries,” the Symposium provides a practical forum for Members and partners to review priorities, strengthen coordination, and ensure support is aligned with regional needs.
In her keynote address, Bainivalu said the theme is both timely and strategic.
“For Fiji, this theme speaks to coordination with purpose. In offshore fisheries, no country or institution can secure long-term prosperity alone. Impact comes when political will, sound management, and strategic investment move in alignment,” she said.
Minister Bainivalu added that offshore fisheries, particularly tuna are among the region’s most valuable economic assets, with revenues from access arrangements and related activities forming a critical component of national income for many Pacific Island countries.
Referring to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Minister said Pacific Leaders have set a long-term vision for a resilient and prosperous region exercising collective stewardship over the ocean, with offshore fisheries central to that vision.
“Casting together means aligning ambition with practical investment and ensuring cooperation delivers measurable outcomes,” she added.
In her opening remarks, Chair of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) and Niue Minister for Natural Resources, Mona Ainuu, said the theme captures the foundation of Pacific fisheries success.
She noted that progress in Pacific fisheries has never been accidental, but intentional, coordinated, and Member-driven.
“Fisheries is deeply rooted in our DNA – the skills passed down from generation to generation, and the knowledge that working together and sharing the fruits of our harvest with neighbours and the wider community is no different from what we are doing today as we continue to provide for our people,” Ainuu said.
She reiterated that the Leaders’ strategic decision to act collectively in managing ocean resources has shaped the region’s trajectory, with the Pacific now managing some of the most sustainably harvested tuna stocks in the world.
In his welcome remarks, FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said the Symposium provides an opportunity for open engagement with development partners.
“Today’s Symposium offers an opportunity to engage openly on how we align our efforts, strengthen coordination, and invest strategically in sustainable outcomes,” Pakop said.
He emphasised that FFA values partnerships built on transparency, mutual respect, and shared long-term objectives.
“If we are to safeguard the greatest shared asset of the Blue Pacific, we must continue casting together – deliberately and strategically,” he added.
The Development Partner Symposium, first introduced in 2024, is a member-driven platform designed to improve transparency and maintain regular dialogue between FFA Members and their partners. It supports structured discussions on funding, technical cooperation, capacity building, and shared fisheries priorities.
Over the two days, participants will review progress, consider current challenges, and identify practical next steps to strengthen fisheries management and national capacity across the region.
The Symposium reflects the shared responsibility of Members and partners to safeguard Pacific tuna resources and ensure they continue to deliver long-term economic and social benefits for Pacific communities.
The Symposium will conclude today.
