THE Blue Pacific’s tuna resources remain central to economic resilience and sovereign decision-making for member nations.
Tuna, as the region’s key natural resource, underpins national budgets and development priorities across many member countries.
“Tuna revenues support public services and strengthen economic stability in member countries,” said Noan David Pakop, the Director-General of Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), while addressing delegates of The Second Development Partner Symposium (DPS2).
“For some members, tuna is the region’s only natural resource, making its stewardship vital, and this shared asset forms the economic and environmental backbone of the Blue Pacific region.”
The founding of a regional fisheries agency 50 years ago laid the groundwork for sustainable management, enabling the development of what are now seen as the world’s most sustainable tuna fisheries.
“This legacy reflects the foresight of Pacific leaders in regional cooperation and resource management.
“It provides a framework for ongoing collaboration in fisheries governance and conservation.”
The Secretariat is actively adapting to a complex environment shaped by climate change, technology, and geopolitical shifts.
Dynamic challenges impacting fisheries management include climate variability, shifting stocks, and rising geopolitical interests.
Pakop said these factors demand enhanced coordination, cooperation, and partnership across the region.
“Compliance standards and technological advances add layers of complexity to governance efforts, and responding effectively requires continuous adaptation and strategic alignment across stakeholders.”
Independent performance review drives Secretariat improvements to strengthen governance and delivery.
Recommendations are being comprehensively addressed to ensure operational fitness and responsiveness.
“This review underpins a new strategic plan scheduled for Ministerial presentation in June, and the plan aims to position the Secretariat to lead sustainably in a rapidly changing environment,” he said.
Commitment to partnership and transparency guides engagement with development partners, with emphasis on mutual respect and shared long-term goals, which strengthens collaboration.
Symposium Focus and Future Outlook
The symposium serves as a platform to deepen collaboration and renew commitment to sustainable fisheries management.
The theme “Casting Together for Impactful and Sustainable Fisheries” reflects the need for coordinated regional action.
Pakop noted the metaphor of fishing together highlights shared responsibility and the power of collective effort.
“Success depends on strategic timing, trust, and cooperation among member nations and partners, and the event aims to align stakeholders on priorities and strengthen joint initiatives.
Focusing on long-term stewardship of tuna resources as the Blue Pacific’s greatest shared asset.
The symposium encourages open discussion on how to enhance coordination and resource management, and the outcomes will shape future investments and policy directions for sustainable fisheries in the region.