Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka has emphasized the need for innovation, vigilance, and unity during the opening of the 9th Pacific Tuna Forum, held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Nadi. This important forum brings together leaders, industry experts, and stakeholders from across the Pacific in the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive growth in the tuna industry.
Gavoka highlighted the significance of regional cooperation and the responsible management of tuna resources, which he described as a lifeline for the economies, cultures, and communities of Pacific nations. He pointed out that nearly 60 percent of the world’s tuna catch originates from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, underscoring the region’s critical role in the global tuna industry.
In his address, Gavoka commended the Pacific’s leadership in sustainable tuna management, which is guided by scientific policies, robust governance, and a spirit of solidarity among nations. He also acknowledged existing challenges such as climate change, illegal fishing, and the complexities brought on by global competition. Reaffirming Fiji’s commitment to oceanic sustainability, he voiced support for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s “Ocean of Peace” initiative, aimed at enhancing maritime security and cooperation across the region.
This year’s forum spotlight centers on the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi), designed to create a Pacific-led framework to transform tuna into a strong value chain through regional processing hubs, premium branding, market access, and the development of infrastructure and employment opportunities from the ocean to retail shelves.
This gathering aligns with ongoing discussions in the wider Pacific community, such as the recent 21st regular session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission held in Suva, which also focused on responsible fishing practices and sustainable tuna management. Over 550 participants from various nations engaged in these discussions, reinforcing commitments to shared environmental stewardship for the benefit of both present and future generations.
Encouraging collaboration, science-based approaches, and active participation from local communities is paramount. The hope is that the insights and partnerships forged at events like these will pave the way for effective policies, leading to enhanced management practices that protect marine resources while supporting the livelihoods dependent on them. With a unified commitment to sustainability, the Pacific region is poised to ensure the longevity of its precious tuna resources for generations to come.