By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) opened the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC22) calling for urgent action on South Pacific albacore,warning delegates that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) cannot be sidelined in decisions shaping the region’s tuna future.
“CNMI is aligned with our Pacific brothers and sisters on many fronts. One of those is the need to adopt a Management Procedure for South Pacific Albacore,” said Sylvan O. Igisomar, head of the CNMI delegation and Secretary of Lands and Natural Resources.
“We see that as a priority for WCPFC22, and we echo the statement by American Samoa and others on the urgent need for an MP to be adopted at this meeting.”
Igisomar grounded his statement in culture, resilience, and urgency, highlighting the CNMI’s long history of sustainable fishing.
“The CNMI, as a small island territory of the United States, stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation,” he said.
“Our islands—from Rota to Maug—are not just specks on the map but vital guardians of Oceania, where our communities have fished sustainably for generations long before EEZ’s and ocean boundaries were created.”
Invoking Pacific philosopher Epeli Hauʻofa, he added, “Smallness is a state of mind… Their universe comprised not only land surfaces but the surrounding ocean as far as they could traverse and exploit… Their world was anything but tiny.”
Highlighting the CNMI’s Marine Conservation Plan, Igisomar said it reflects a vision prioritising food security, cultural continuity, economic resilience, and local capacity-building. He praised WCPFC’s “25 years” of progress but stressed the need for equitable opportunities for SIDS.
“For CNMI, our aspirations are boundless,” he said.
“We aspire to develop our fisheries to the same capacity as all of you at this meeting. CNMI values the importance of partnerships and your support to meet these aspirations and welcomes opportunities to discuss potential partnerships this week.”
He issued a strong warning to the Tuna Commission with a call for unity and leadership.
“The fact that our fisheries are our lifeline is an understatement, and this commission needs to recognise that for all SIDS, including the CNMI.”
“The CNMI stands ready to collaborate, innovate, and lead alongside you. Together, we can ensure that the bounty of the Pacific endures for our children—not as a memory, but as a thriving reality,” Igisomar said.
