Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has signalled that the Government is considering the declaration of marine reserve areas as part of efforts to address declining tuna stocks and strengthen management of the country’s ocean resources.
Speaking during the commemoration of World Tuna Day on 02 May, the PM said he will travel to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to meet regional leaders to discuss the initiative.
“At the end of this week, I will travel to PNG to meet the Prime Ministers of Fiji and Papua New Guinea to discuss declaring marine reserve areas in the north and south to better manage our tuna stocks,” he said.
The statement comes amid growing concern over the state of tuna resources, with the PM acknowledging that stocks are declining despite Vanuatu’s vast ocean coverage.
According to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission July 2025 annual report, Vanuatu’s annual tuna catch within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has shown significant fluctuations, rising from 4,642.98 metric tons (MT) in 2023 to nearly 6,991 MT in 2024.
The catch is dominated by albacore (65%), followed by yellowfin (21 percent), bigeye, and other species, with fishing largely carried out by foreign vessels.
Despite this, the Daily Post understands that whether Vanuatu’s tuna is “declining” depends on perspective.
Tuna populations, particularly skipjack and albacore, remain relatively healthy and are not currently disappearing. However, the volume of tuna caught in Vanuatu waters has fluctuated in recent years, largely due to fewer fishing vessels operating in the area rather than a collapse in fish stocks.
At the same time, the country continues to face economic challenges in the sector. Much of the tuna caught within Vanuatu’s waters is exported and processed in other countries, including Fiji, limiting the financial returns retained domestically.
The PM stressed that the country, made up of approximately 80 percent ocean, is not fully maximising the benefits of its marine resources, particularly in the fisheries sector.
The proposed discussions on marine reserves are expected to focus on improving sustainability and ensuring better long-term management of tuna stocks, a key economic resource for Vanuatu.
PM Napat’s remarks indicate a potential shift towards stronger conservation measures, as the Government seeks to address gaps in resource management and secure greater returns from the nation’s fisheries sector.
