Pacific leaders, fisheries ministers, chief executives, and ocean organizations have gathered in Honiara to focus on Sustainable Development Goal 14.4, which emphasizes action for sustainable fisheries. The conference, titled “Iumi tugeda for delivering SDG 14.4 – Achieving sustainable fisheries,” has seen significant commitments, especially from a high-level East New Britain Initiative session where ministers from Papua New Guinea, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing sustainable tuna markets.
The innovative MOU introduces a “100×100” framework, which includes two primary goals: achieving 100 percent electronic monitoring of all licensed fishing vessels and ensuring 100 percent dockside offloading of tuna catches. This strategic move aims to boost ecological and economic resilience in the region. Republic of Marshall Islands Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce, Anthony Muller, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating that past efforts, such as the Vessel Day Scheme, were ambitious yet successful despite skepticism. He affirmed their collective commitment to sustainable fisheries management and equitable participation in the tuna value chain.
The MOU is also designed to bolster revenue generation in the region by supporting domestic processing of tuna, thereby retaining more benefits within the Pacific Islands instead of allowing distant water fishing fleets to export fish for processing elsewhere. This is particularly significant as Pacific nations have long sought to address their exclusion from global tuna value chains.
Papua New Guinea’s Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong, who is instrumental in this initiative, conveyed a hopeful message about collaboration among the tripartite members, calling for partners to join in transforming fisheries with greater environmental and community benefits.
Elena Akinaga, the Federated States of Micronesia Secretary of Research and Development, emphasized the importance of unity among the involved nations, suggesting that effective implementation of these measures could mark a transformative era for sustainable fisheries development.
As discussions continue throughout the week, the conference aims to produce an outcomes document to guide future efforts toward a sustainable fishing landscape in the region, showcasing a strong commitment to balanced marine resource management. The hope is that these strategic steps will lead to improved ecological health and enriched livelihoods for the communities dependent on these vital oceanic resources.
This initiative embodies the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility for the health of the oceans, aiming for a future where Pacific Island nations can thrive both ecologically and economically.
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