An important six-day annual meeting of fishing nations and key stakeholders is taking place at Suva’s Vodafone Arena, reflecting a unified commitment to the sustainable management of the Pacific’s vital tuna resources.
The 21st regular session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission has brought together 550 representatives from around the world to engage in discussions focused on the region’s tuna stocks and their sustainable development.
During the event, Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted the deep connection between the Pacific Ocean and the livelihoods, cultures, and economies of Pacific Island nations. He emphasized that the Pacific Ocean possesses the world’s most productive tuna fisheries, underscoring the shared responsibility to manage these resources wisely for both present and future generations.
Prime Minister Rabuka stressed the necessity for a science-based and data-driven decision-making process, stating that informed decisions are crucial for managing natural resources, particularly tuna fisheries, which span across boundaries, are vulnerable to climate change, and are affected by environmental pollution.
He also advocated for collaboration with scientists, fisheries experts, and local communities to ensure that policies are grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the marine ecosystem.
This gathering marks a significant effort among nations to prioritize the sustainable use of tuna resources, vital for the economies of many Pacific Island nations, and offers a hopeful outlook on global cooperation for marine conservation.
Overall, this event signifies a proactive step towards securing the future of tuna fisheries, exemplifying how collaborative efforts can lead to effective management and a sustainable future for Pacific Island communities.
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