Healthy tuna stocks currently found in the Pacific do not ensure their future sustainability, warns Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka. Speaking at the opening of the 9th Pacific Tuna Forum held in Nadi, Gavoka emphasized the pressing need for vigilance and unity in tackling challenges facing the regional fisheries sector.
Gavoka pointed out that economic pressures, shifting markets, and intensifying global competition necessitate continuous innovation and strategic collaboration among Pacific nations. He highlighted the alarming rise of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, urging improvements in monitoring, enforcement, and data security to protect these essential resources.
“The forum serves as an essential space to enhance our comprehension of tuna stock dynamics and supply chains,” he stated. Through collaborative efforts, he believes tuna can remain a cornerstone for security, prosperity, and cultural identity across the Pacific.
The Deputy Prime Minister also introduced the concept of the “Ocean of Peace,” a framework built upon twelve principles that Pacific leaders have endorsed. This framework aspires to manage strategic competition, resolve disputes peacefully, and uphold human rights while prioritizing the protection of the maritime environment. “Our security hinges not only on external threats but also on internal unity and ecological health,” he explained.
Gavoka underscored the tangible benefits already arising from recent collaborative efforts across the region. Tuna fisheries have fostered job creation, bolstered infrastructure, and provided vital buffers against economic upheavals. He was optimistic that the Pacific’s sustained commitment to maintaining its tuna stocks, which are among the healthiest globally, serves as a remarkable global achievement necessitating effective regional cooperation.
Reflecting on previous discussions, Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa noted that over 80% of government revenue in some Pacific nations derives from tuna fisheries, significantly contributing to the regional GDP. The collective efforts to combat IUU fishing have resulted in remarkable reductions in losses, showcasing the power of unity in achieving sustainability.
The road ahead remains fraught with challenges such as climate change, which continues to influence tuna migratory patterns and threaten economic stability in Pacific Island nations. However, Gavoka’s call for regional solidarity and innovative solutions is a beacon of hope for a resilient and prosperous future. By fostering collaboration, the Pacific community can safeguard its marine ecosystems and ensure that its bountiful resources continue to benefit generations to come.
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