The 24th Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) Ministerial Meeting and the 6th Regional Fisheries Ministers Meeting (RFMM) took place last week in Niue, culminating in a Ministerial Retreat in Alofi. The event saw participation from ministers of the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and an observer from the Fisheries Ministry of New Caledonia. Senior officials from Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Samoa, Tokelau, and Tonga also contributed to the discussions.
During the retreat, the FFCMin24 Communiqué was adopted, which outlined essential priorities and agreements for future discussions at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting scheduled for September in the Solomon Islands. This communiqué emphasizes vital topics such as the Fisheries Roadmap, the Chair’s Ocean Literacy Initiative, and advancing the implementation of the FFA’s Climate Change Strategy.
A significant endorsement was the adoption of the Ocean Literacy Initiative, which seeks to foster a deeper understanding of ocean connections within Pacific communities. The ministers underscored the necessity of embodying Pacific identity and culture in this initiative, urging cooperation across various government levels and societal sectors.
The meeting also marked progress in the implementation of the FFA Climate Change Strategy, with ministers directing the FFA Secretariat to continue its support for member nations. A notable aspect of this strategy includes backing Australia’s efforts to host the UNFCCC COP31 in 2026, aimed at enhancing collective action on climate-related challenges affecting ocean resources.
Furthermore, the ministers endorsed a groundbreaking agreement concerning the proportional allocation of South Pacific albacore among FFA members, seen as a pivotal moment for regional fisheries management. The discussion also brought forth advancements concerning the East New Britain Initiative, showcasing commitments towards sustainable tuna management, including in-region processing and dockside offloading.
To support future implementations, the ministers acknowledged the call for an Independent Refresh and Performance Review of the Agency, emphasizing the need for adequate resources to fulfill the associated recommendations.
As discussions continue, observers from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office, the Pacific Community, and the University of the South Pacific were present, highlighting a collective approach towards robust fisheries management in the region. Excitingly, New Zealand is slated to host the next FFC Ministerial meeting in June 2026.
This meeting strengthens a commitment among Pacific nations to collaborate on pressing marine issues, fostering hopes for a sustainable future for fisheries and the marine environment.
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