Leaders from across the Pacific, including fisheries ministers and representatives from ocean organizations, have convened in Honiara to discuss Sustainable Development Goal 14.4, which promotes sustainable fisheries practices. The conference, titled “Iumi tugeda for delivering SDG 14.4 – Achieving sustainable fisheries,” has resulted in key commitments, notably a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by ministers from Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. This agreement focuses on developing sustainable tuna markets in the region.
A central feature of the MOU is the introduction of a “100×100” framework, which sets two ambitious goals: ensuring 100 percent electronic monitoring of all licensed fishing vessels and achieving 100 percent dockside unloading of tuna catches. This innovative approach is expected to enhance both ecological and economic resilience in the Pacific Islands. Anthony Muller, the Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce for the Republic of the Marshall Islands, expressed confidence in the initiative, recalling the successes of the previous Vessel Day Scheme despite initial skepticism. He reaffirmed the shared commitment to sustainable fisheries management and fair participation in the tuna value chain.
The MOU also aims to enhance local revenue by promoting domestic processing of tuna, a significant step towards keeping economic benefits within Pacific nations, rather than allowing distant foreign fleets to export the fish for processing elsewhere. This focus addresses a longstanding concern among Pacific nations regarding their minimal role in the global tuna industry.
Jelta Wong, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources from Papua New Guinea, shared an encouraging outlook on the collaboration between the countries involved, inviting additional partners to help transform fisheries for the benefit of the environment and local communities.
Elena Akinaga, Secretary of Research and Development for the Federated States of Micronesia, highlighted the necessity of unity among the nations to effectively implement these strategies, suggesting that these collaborative efforts could catalyze a new era in sustainable fisheries development.
As the conference continues, participants are working towards producing an outcomes document that will steer future actions for sustainable fisheries in the area. This event underlines a strong dedication to balanced management of marine resources, with hopes that the initiatives will enhance both environmental health and the livelihoods of communities reliant on these oceanic resources.
This initiative showcases the power of cooperation and collective responsibility towards ocean health, aiming for a prosperous future for the Pacific Island nations where ecological integrity and economic advancement go hand in hand.
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