An important six-day annual meeting of fishing nations and stakeholders is taking place at Vodafone Arena in Suva, focusing on the sustainable management and use of the Pacific’s vital tuna resources. The 21st regular session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission has attracted 550 participants from around the world to deliberate on the sustainable development of tuna stocks in the region.
Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka opened the event, underscoring the deep-seated connection between the Pacific Ocean and the livelihoods, cultures, and economies of Pacific Island nations. He stated, “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.”
PM Rabuka highlighted the need for a science-driven and data-based approach in decision-making processes. He stressed that informed decisions are crucial in managing natural resources, particularly tuna fisheries, which face challenges due to their transboundary nature, vulnerability to climate change, and environmental contamination.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of collaborating with scientists, fisheries experts, and local communities to ensure that policies consider a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment.
In summary, this gathering is a significant step towards fostering international cooperation and ensuring the future sustainability of tuna resources, which are vital to Pacific Island nations’ economies and cultures. There is a hopeful perspective that these discussions will lead to improved management practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.
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