A significant six-day annual meeting of fishing nations and stakeholders is currently taking place at Suva’s Vodafone Arena, focused on the sustainable management and utilization of the Pacific’s crucial tuna resources. This gathering marks the 21st Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, uniting 550 participants from around the world to deliberate on the region’s tuna stocks and their sustainable development.
During the event, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted the deep connection between the Pacific Ocean and the livelihoods, cultures, and economies of Pacific Island nations. He addressed attendees, stating, “The Pacific Ocean is home to the most productive tuna fisheries in the world, and it is our shared responsibility to ensure that these resources are managed wisely and equitably for the benefit of both current and future generations.”
Rabuka stressed the importance of a science-based and data-driven approach in decision-making. He noted that informed choices are crucial for managing natural resources, particularly tuna fisheries, which face the challenges of being transboundary and vulnerable to climate conditions while inhabiting environments that are often treated as waste disposal sites.
Moreover, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to collaborate with scientists, fisheries experts, and local communities to ensure that policies reflect a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment.
This conference not only aims to preserve the tuna stocks crucial to the Pacific region but also fosters collaboration and understanding among nations, scientists, and local communities, symbolizing hope for a sustainable future for both the marine ecosystem and the livelihoods that depend on it. The commitment to sound management practices is a promising step towards ensuring that the Pacific’s valuable resources remain viable for future generations.
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