Forum Secretary General, Baron Waqa, has underscored the urgent necessity for sustainable fisheries management to ensure the future of the Pacific region. Speaking at the Honiara Summit focused on the Pacific Islands’ response to Sustainable Development Goal 14.4, Waqa reminded the Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of their profound connection to the ocean and the substantial role fisheries play in their economies and cultural identities.
The Pacific, rich in oceanic resources, houses some of the world’s most significant fisheries, particularly tuna, which is critical for food security and as a major economic component. Notably, over 80 percent of government revenue in certain Pacific nations stems from tuna fisheries. Waqa noted that the fisheries sector was vital last year, contributing around US$3.2 billion to the GDP of Pacific Island countries, reinforcing the importance of sustainable resource management for the long-term viability of both the economy and cultural practices in the region.
The summit’s agenda addressed the collaboration among regional organizations such as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, which have collectively set benchmarks for sustainable fisheries management through research, policy advice, and effective management strategies. Waqa recognized these institutions’ efforts, stating, “All your efforts, and the respective roles you play, have all led to where we are today.”
However, Waqa also pointed out challenges that necessitate enhanced cooperation, including climate change’s impact on tuna migratory patterns and the ongoing issues surrounding illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. He warned that “climate change is altering the distribution and migratory patterns of tuna stocks, threatening the economic stability of our SIDS.”
While acknowledging the hurdles, Waqa stressed the importance of regional collaboration and innovative policies that can yield tangible benefits for Pacific communities. He referenced the “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific” as a roadmap to a sustainable future, focusing on collective responsibility and management of the region’s marine resources.
Addressing harmful fisheries subsidies, Waqa underscored a global opportunity for reform, highlighting that billions in subsidies currently bolster overfishing, harming the marine ecosystem and coastal community livelihoods. He called upon the World Trade Organization (WTO) to assist in curbing these detrimental subsidies, emphasizing that unified action is crucial in negotiations aimed at protecting fish stocks and ensuring sustainable practices.
In conclusion, Waqa’s messages during the summit paint a hopeful picture of a united Pacific front, addressing both the challenges and opportunities within fisheries management. By continuing to collaborate and innovate, Pacific nations aim to secure not only the health of their marine ecosystems but also the economic futures of their communities. The emphasis on collective action and sustainable practices inspires optimism for a resilient and prosperous future in the Pacific.
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