THE Pacific Tuna fishery underpins national budgets and economic resilience for many member countries.
Recognition of the complex challenges facing fisheries has highlighted current obstacles, including climate variability, stock shifts, evolving compliance, and geopolitical pressures.
“These challenges have prompted FFA to undertake an organisational reset and develop a new strategic plan,” said Noan Pakop, Director-General of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
“The reset aims to ensure the agency remains fit for purpose and responsive to member needs, and addressing these complexities is critical for maintaining sustainable fisheries management in a changing environment.
“The strategic plan will guide the agency’s operations to adapt to emerging threats and opportunities.”
The Launch of the Pacific–EU Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme phase two emphasised renewed collaboration between the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the European Union to support sustainable fisheries.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to work strategically and collectively for sustainable outcomes in the Blue Pacific region, and the Pacific tuna fishery underpins national budgets and economic resilience for many member countries.
PEUMP Phase Two is designed as an enabling mechanism to advance sustainable and economic management of Pacific fisheries through targeted investments.
Pakop said the programme invests in national industries, such as the East New Britain Initiative, to retain greater value within the region.
“It supports stronger national competent authorities to improve market access for fishery products, and responsible investment promotion is a priority to enhance economic returns while upholding sustainability,” said Pakop.
“These efforts aim to boost sustainable returns by increasing value rather than volume.”
Enhancement of Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) Systems supports compliance and enforcement improvements.
He added that PEUMP Phase Two incorporated emerging technology and targeted technical assistance for fisheries enforcement.
“Regional qualifications for enforcement officers and prosecutors are part of capacity-building measures; this complements the agency’s commitment to effective resource stewardship and compliance with evolving standards.”
Advancing social inclusion and climate change strategy integrates equity and resilience into fisheries management.
“The programme supports FFA’s climate change strategy to address environmental and social pressures, with social inclusion initiatives ensuring that benefits and responsibilities are shared equitably among community stakeholders,” said Pakop.
“This approach recognises that resilience and sustainability must be pursued together for long-term success; the integration of social and environmental goals enhances the holistic management of the fisheries.”
The launch reaffirmed the mission to maximise sustainable returns by emphasising value-driven growth and resource protection.
Focusing on higher value, not higher-volume growth, aligns economic goals with sustainability priorities, and calling for intentional, strategic, and trust-based collaboration underscores partnership as a foundation for success.
Pakop added that the launch highlighted the importance of working together with clear intent and mutual trust.
“This collective effort is crucial to securing lasting abundance and prosperity for the region.”