The growing pressure of climate change, shifting market dynamics and illegal unreported and unregulated fishing in the region threaten fisheries stock in the region, a tuna forum has been told.
Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong told the 9th Pacific Tuna Forum in Nadi,Fiji, Tuesday that Pacific Island nations “are increasingly focused on harnessing our fisheries not just for food security and livelihoods, but as a driver of sustainable development, in alignment with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent”.
“The opportunities are immense, but so are the challenges,” he said.
“We face the growing pressures of climate change, shifting market dynamics, and the persistent threat of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which undermine our economic potential and threatens the very sustainability of our stocks.
“Investing in our local processing capabilities is the cornerstone of this transformation.
“First, it is our most direct path to economic stability and empowerment.
“Processing tuna locally creates not just jobs, but entire ancillary industries – from logistics and packaging to marketing and transportation.
“As we invest in our processing capabilities, we invest in our people, fostering a sense of pride and ownership that empowers our communities to take charge of their economic destinies.
“Second, local processing is our most powerful weapon in the fight against IUU fishing.
“When we control the processing, we control the supply chain.
“This allows us to implement robust monitoring, enhance traceability, and enforce transparency.
“By providing a viable, legal, and profitable alternative for our communities, we deter illegal activities and strengthen the very fabric of our societies, protecting our marine resources and our economic sovereignty,” Wong said.
