U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced a US$60 million release to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty, marking a fresh tranche of support tied to the treaty’s 10-year Economic Assistance Agreement. The arrangement enables U.S.-flagged vessels to operate in the exclusive economic zones of 16 Pacific Island countries, a relationship that the U.S. says generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the American economy.
Landau made the announcement while meeting with Pacific Islands ambassadors and representatives from Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu. He also discussed ways to increase U.S. private-sector engagement in the region, saying these partnerships can help “promote prosperity for all.”
Context and significance
– The funding is part of broader, multi-year cooperation under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty that links U.S. fishing access to economic assistance and regional fisheries management.
– Support to the FFA is intended to reinforce regional fisheries governance and the agencies that coordinate management, surveillance and engagement between Pacific nations and external partners.
– For the United States, the treaty preserves access for its distant-water fishing fleet while strengthening diplomatic and economic ties across the Pacific.
Why this matters
– For Pacific Island countries, treaty arrangements and associated assistance help manage valuable tuna stocks, which are central to food security, government revenue and local economies.
– For the U.S., stable access under the treaty supports an industry that brings substantial economic returns and creates incentives for cooperative fisheries management and sustainability.
Suggested additions for publication
– Headline suggestion: “US Releases $60M to Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency Under Tuna Treaty”
– Short pull-quote: “This investment underscores U.S. commitment to a free, open and prosperous Pacific,” — Christopher Landau.
– Tags: South Pacific Tuna Treaty, Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, fisheries, U.S. diplomacy, tuna industry, Pacific region
– Image idea: Photo of a regional fisheries meeting or a purse-seine vessel with caption noting the treaty link to regional cooperation.
Brief summary
Deputy Secretary Landau announced a US$60 million release to the FFA under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty’s 10-year assistance deal, signaling continued U.S. investment in regional fisheries cooperation and discussions to boost private-sector ties with Pacific Island partners.
Positive outlook
This funding can deepen partnership on sustainable fisheries management, support regional institutions that safeguard tuna resources, and open commercial and investment opportunities that benefit Pacific communities and U.S. industry alike.
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