Pacific fisheries leaders are sounding the alarm about the impact of climate change, global pressures, and escalating demand on the tuna sector, underscoring the critical need for urgent reforms and sustainable investment. At the Second Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Partner Symposium, Fisheries Committee Chair Mona Ainnu highlighted that while the Pacific’s fisheries are widely respected for their success, this achievement cannot be taken for granted.
Ainnu pointed out that tuna is the backbone of numerous Pacific economies, financing public services, enhancing fiscal stability, supporting local livelihoods, and reinforcing sovereignty over ocean resources. To maintain this essential foundation, she stressed the importance of adaptation and bolstering institutional capacity.
Reflecting on nearly five decades of collaborative ocean management, Ainnu noted that this coordinated approach has positioned the Pacific as a global leader in sustainable tuna fisheries. “As ministers, we view this reform process not as a critique of the past, but as an investment in the future,” she stated, emphasizing that a strengthened Secretariat will lead to better service delivery, enhanced governance, and improved accountability to meet emerging challenges.
The Fisheries Committee is currently undertaking a review to fortify the FFA Secretariat, ensuring it remains capable of navigating a rapidly changing environment. An independent review has provided valuable insights and recommendations, further framing the reform as a proactive investment rather than a mere critique.
Ainnu called for Pacific-led collaboration with development partners to ensure effective management strategies, climate resilience, and modern monitoring solutions, all backed by predictable investment. These investments should prioritize member ownership, transparency, and long-term sustainability, she noted. Governance must be led by the Pacific, and short-term projects should not supplant essential institutional strength.
Moreover, Ainnu highlighted the importance of the Ocean Literacy Initiative, which aims to educate young people about the value of ocean resources as a vital component of sustaining future progress. Through this initiative, the leaders hope to cultivate a deeper understanding of the oceans’ significance, thereby securing the long-term viability of the tuna sector for generations to come.