The Fisheries Ministry has underscored the importance of offshore fisheries, particularly tuna, as key economic assets in the region. During the Second FFA Development Partners Symposium, Minister Alitia Bainivalu emphasized that long-term prosperity cannot be achieved by any single country or institution working in isolation.
In her speech, Bainivalu advocated for a fundamental shift in the management, financing, and development of Pacific fisheries. She expressed that the region aims to do more than just manage resources effectively; it seeks to maximize benefits from them. Anchoring her remarks in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Minister called for collective regional efforts that resonate with a Pacific-led vision focused on resilience, sovereignty, and economic empowerment.
“Our leaders envision a resilient and prosperous region that exercises collective stewardship over our oceans. To achieve this, we must transition from donor-led initiatives to those that meet the specific needs of the Pacific,” noted Bainivalu.
She highlighted the necessity of strong stock assessments, effective monitoring, and sound governance to safeguard tuna stocks. However, Bainivalu cautioned that managing resources alone is insufficient for comprehensive development. The Pacific needs to capture a larger share of the tuna value chain, which includes processing, logistics, and job creation, rather than merely exporting raw materials.
The Minister also pointed out that climate variability is affecting tuna migration across Exclusive Economic Zones, which raises additional challenges. She noted the increasing global demands for transparency and the need to adopt advanced technologies for compliance, monitoring, and enforcement.
“To maintain our competitive edge globally, we must deepen our collaboration with development partners,” she stated, identifying priorities such as technological modernization, advanced analytics, electronic monitoring systems, digital reporting, and enhanced maritime surveillance.
Bainivalu also called for stronger sovereign management of Exclusive Economic Zones through regional cooperation and shared security frameworks. Over the course of the symposium, participants will focus on aligning partner contributions with the FFA Strategic Plan, avoiding duplication of efforts, and ensuring measurable impacts within the region.
This concerted effort represents a hopeful step toward securing a sustainable future for the Pacific fisheries sector, enhancing both economic opportunities and ecological health for the communities that rely on these vital resources.
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