By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) are playing a pivotal role in shaping essential proposals at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission’s (WCPFC22) conference, notably the long-stalled South Pacific albacore Management Procedure, which is now a central focus in Manila.
PNA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sangaalofa Clark emphasized the organization’s influence in regional fisheries governance, ensuring that Pacific states retain control over the world’s largest and healthiest tuna fishery. Dr. Clark stated, “The PNA Office supports PNA member countries, who are also FFA Members, as they enhance the management frameworks for sustainable tuna fisheries, enabling global consumers to depend on a responsible supply of tuna from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.”
She highlighted that PNA will persist in offering technical support across conservation, monitoring, and management initiatives that have bolstered significant proposals from the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) this week, thereby fortifying the Pacific nations’ stance at the Commission.
Members of the PNA represent a key faction within the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), often serving as the central management coalition that influences FFA negotiations and fosters regional agreement. Established in 1982, the Nauru Agreement has ascended to become the world’s most effective sub-regional fisheries alliance, overseeing the largest sustainable purse-seine tuna fishery through innovations that have elevated global standards.
These innovations include the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS), a robust observer program, advanced monitoring technologies, and stringent regulations on Fish Aggregating Devices and high-seas fishing practices. The PNA’s membership encompasses the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, and Tuvalu.
As WCPFC22 negotiations heat up, the technical guidance from PNA is proving vital in advancing Pacific-led conservation and management strategies, particularly regarding albacore—a decision that Pacific nations assert can no longer be postponed. This urgent push for sustainable fishing practices reflects a collective commitment to preserving marine resources while ensuring the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing in the region.
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