Fifteen countries in the Pacific Islands are taking significant steps to bolster the protection of their marine resources with a training program funded by the UK. This initiative, launched through the UK Sustainable Blue Economies Technical Assistance Platform, aims to enhance fisheries monitoring and enforcement in a region grappling with the challenges posed by Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The program, delivered in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, focuses on equipping fisheries officers with advanced skills necessary to combat IUU fishing, which poses a serious threat to food security, livelihoods, and economic stability in the region. Participants are being trained in sophisticated data analysis, GIS mapping techniques, and the application of various Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance tools. This includes the use of vessel tracking systems, aerial patrols, and satellite imagery. To ensure consistent enforcement, standard operating procedures are being established across the participating nations.
The inaugural workshop took place in Fiji in December 2025, marking the beginning of this critical training initiative, with the next session planned for Australia in January 2026. The program includes participants from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, and eleven other Pacific nations.
Officials are optimistic that this capacity-building effort will enhance the ability to spot suspicious activities, protect marine stocks, and secure vital industries such as fish processing and trade. By fortifying these areas, the program is set to contribute to long-term economic resilience and sustainability for Pacific Island nations, fostering a healthier marine environment for future generations.
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