WCPFC flags unpaid dues and rising reliance on voluntary funds as 2025 budget pressure grows
By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) enters 2025 with nearly a third of its agreed member contributions still...
Pacific nations head to Manila “united, focused” as FFA pushes for decisive tuna management at WCPFC22
By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) members are heading into next week’s Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC22) in...
Minister Bainivalu warns IUU fishing costs Fiji $50m a year, vows tougher surveillance and new powers to stop offenders
Fiji’s Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, has issued a blunt warning that illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is draining FJD$50 million (US$25...
“No woman is safe until all women are safe” as Commonwealth warns of rising violence: SG Botchwey
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey has issued a stark message to governments and communities worldwide, declaring that violence against women remains “one of humanity’s oldest and...
WCPFC must confront ‘hard truths’ on transshipment, electronic monitoring and observer gaps, Cook warns
By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is heading into a decisive week in Manila in December, with...
WCPFC delay puts South Pacific albacore MSC label and island economies at risk: PEW
By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
The US$1 billion South Pacific albacore industry is on the line as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission...
WCPFC enters 2026 facing deep-sea mining risks, new global ocean treaty, and rising pressure from major conferences
By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is heading into a critical year as deep-sea mining pressures intensify, a...
Fiji Military vows transparency and civilian supremacy in national reconciliation push
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has declared it will “not remain prisoners of its past,” unveiling its strongest commitment yet to transparency, accountability,...
WHO steps up support in Micronesia as Dr Piukala warns of rising health pressures and climate-driven emergencies
World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, says the Pacific’s mounting health pressures demand sustained support...
WCPFC warns Climate change and Pollution now direct threats to Pacific Tuna
By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is warning that climate change and marine pollution are emerging as direct...
Latest article
Interview: Pacific islands walk a ‘delicate tightrope’ as China influence rises
The Australian National University’s Graeme Smith reflects on the changing political landscape in the Pacific.
By Eugene Whong
As Beijing has been ramping up influence...
Pacific pushes for urgent Climate action as Fiji sets pre-COP31 dates
As momentum gathers toward Pre-COP 31 and COP31, the Pacific stands united and resolute in its call for urgent, ambitious, and just climate action.
The...
Cook Islands PM Mark Brown in New Zealand but no talks with Luxon
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is in Aotearoa but will not be engaging with his Kiwi counterpart.
Brown spoke at a formal event at...