Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape has called for immediate international action to tackle illegal fishing and the exploitation of Pacific fisheries during his address at the Honiara Summit on Sustainable Fisheries. This summit, set to run from February 24 to 27, 2025, aims to highlight sustainable practices in managing marine resources.
In his speech, Marape emphasized the vital role Pacific nations have played as guardians of their ocean resources long before the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established in 2015. He challenged industrialized countries to acknowledge their part in marine pollution and overfishing, stating emphatically, “No one needs to lecture us on fish sustainability—it is our lifestyle.”
The Prime Minister specifically called on powerful nations such as the United States, China, and EU members to step up efforts against illegal fishing in Pacific waters. He expressed determination to take decisive action against illegal activities, threatening, “If I catch illegal fishing in my country, I will sink all the boats,” while also referencing Papua New Guinea’s defense agreements with the U.S. designed to help combat these illegal practices.
Marape has reached out to the United Nations for support, highlighting the significant economic challenges faced by Pacific nations like Kiribati, which boasts extensive ocean territories yet suffers from low GDP per capita. This raises questions about how abundant fishing resources can correlate with widespread poverty.
As part of his commitment to sustainable fisheries, Marape introduced a new policy prohibiting the export of unprocessed fish starting September 16, reinforcing the need for economic benefits to stay within Papua New Guinea. This approach aims to ensure that local communities derive value from their natural resources.
The Prime Minister stressed the necessity for enhanced cooperation among Pacific nations in fisheries management and environmental action, as migratory fish species cross national boundaries. He reiterated the importance of global commitment and technological support to address climate change, which poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods they support.
The Honiara Summit serves as a hopeful platform for shaping the future of fisheries policies in the region. By fostering collaboration among Pacific nations and international partners, it aims to create a vision for sustainable management of marine resources that prioritizes both ecological integrity and economic resilience for Pacific communities. With these collective efforts, there is optimism for healthier oceans and more prosperous futures for the region.
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