The Vice-Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University, Professor Transform Aqorau, has emphasized the vital role Pacific Island States play in the global governance of tuna fisheries, underscoring the importance of protecting their sovereignty, economy, and cultural identity. Speaking at the International Symposium on the Science of Pacific Tunas and Tuna Fisheries in Shanghai, he described Pacific nations as custodians of one of the world’s most biologically rich marine environments, highlighting that effective tuna governance is essential for their survival.
Professor Aqorau articulated that for Pacific communities, the ocean is integral to their identity, culture, and continuity, and that tuna goes beyond being an economic resource; it symbolizes Pacific identity and global fairness in the shared management of ocean resources. He firmly believes that those closest to the resource are its rightful stewards, advocating for Pacific Islanders’ rights in global discussions regarding tuna fisheries.
Highlighting the significance of various international agreements and treaties, including the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and the High Seas Biodiversity (BBNJ) Treaty, he noted that these frameworks offer both opportunities for sustainable practices and potential challenges if they do not align with the unique needs and rights of Pacific nations. He especially warned that failure to implement these agreements effectively could undermine the sovereign rights of coastal states in the region.
The impact of climate change is a significant concern, with warming oceans potentially leading to shifts in tuna migration patterns. Professor Aqorau warned that these changes could result in a substantial economic loss, projecting a decrease in government revenues by as much as 37% by 2050. He stressed that the Pacific nations, despite being the least contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, stand to bear the greatest consequences, thereby reinforcing their need for representation and greater access to climate finance.
On a positive note, he credited the unity and innovative strategies of Pacific Island States, citing the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) and its Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) as successful models of cooperation that have empowered local governance over fisheries. This cooperative model has enabled regional bodies like the Forum Fisheries Agency and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission to contribute significantly to shifting control from foreign fleets to Pacific nations.
Concluding his remarks, Professor Aqorau advocated for stronger advocacy and partnerships rooted in mutual respect, positing that Pacific leadership in tuna governance exemplifies how small island states can influence global ocean policy. He asserted that the governance of tuna fisheries stands at a critical juncture where local stewardship values intersect with global regulatory frameworks. His message is clear: global policies must prioritize the needs and rights of Pacific peoples, ensuring sustainable futures for both their communities and the rich marine resources they safeguard.