Human rights violations in Pacific fishing industry ‘ignored’
Very little attention has been given to addressing human rights violations within the fishing industry in the Pacific, according to new research unveiled at a first-of-its-kind ocean science meeting underway in Nadi,
IAEA says Fukushima discharge below ‘Japan’s operational limit’
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) first independent sampling and analysis of seawater near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) since discharges of ALPS treated water started on 24 August
Bi-partisan approval for WTO fisheries subsidies agreement in Fiji’s parliament
Fiji’s Parliament has unanimously endorsed the ratification of the World Trade Organisation’s fisheries subsidies agreement – in a historical bi-partisan move rarely seen in the Pacific nation. The agreement
Small islands slam ‘endless’ climate talks at landmark maritime court hearing
The heads of small island states most vulnerable to climate change have criticised “endless” climate change negotiations at the start of an unprecedented maritime court hearing. During the opening of a two-week
MSG Secretariat condemns Japan’s discharge of ALPS water
The Government of Japan has been criticised by the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat for using the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report to justify what it calls the ‘mischievous and at worst,
Vanuatu elects Sato Kilman as prime minister, names new Cabinet
Vanuatu’s parliament elected Sato Kilman as the nation’s new prime minister Monday after a court upheld a vote of no-confidence in the nation’s former leader and amid China-U.S. rivalry in Pacific Islands.
China’s Shandong Province expands its footprint to the Pacific
While Japan’s discharge of nuclear-contaminated waters into the Pacific from its Fukushima nuclear plant was drawing flak right across the Pacific, a high-powered delegation of Chinese ocean and marine scientists and
Solomon Islands opposition MP calls for investigation after U.S. cable says ‘replica’ Chinese guns were likely real
The Solomon Islands opposition is calling for an independent investigation into a contentious shipment of “replica weapons” brought into the Pacific Island country by China after publicly released U.S.
Pacific region vastly underserved by climate finance: Coral Pasisi
The Pacific region remains vastly underserved by access to climate finance, according to the Pacific Community’s (SPC) director of climate change and sustainability, Coral Pasisi. By her estimation, the region
FFA to try again in PNG for U.S. treaty money distribution plan
Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency member countries have been unable to conclude an agreement for distribution of US$60 million a year that the United States government has promised for fishing access by the
Solomon Airlines inks partnership agreement with Air Vanuatu
The flag carrier of the Solomon Islands, Solomon Airlines has confirmed that it has inked its partnership with Air Vanuatu from Monday 30 October 2023 to further expand their mutual support. This shows why cooperation
Cook Islands elected to Executive Council of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
The Cook Islands has been elected to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Executive Council of the Intergovernmental Oceanic Commission (IOC) for 2023 – 2025, securing 76
Australian police to stay in Solomon Islands until 2024 election
Australian police will stay in the Solomon Islands to provide security for a regional sporting event in November and national elections in 2024, the Pacific Island nation’s government has said. The number of
Kilman elected as new Vanuatu PM
Vanuatu’s parliament elected Sato Kilman as the nation’s new Prime Minister on Monday after a court upheld a vote of no-confidence in his predecessor, who had sought closer ties with U.S. allies amid
Power of the sea
A technology now being tested that harnesses seawater to produce electricity could address some of the Pacific Islands’ problems with power outages. Under the Project for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), a
USP graduates share their aspirations
Years of hard work came to fruition last week after more than 1000 students received their certificates at the University of the South Pacific graduation ceremony in Suva, with 65% of them women. “As you step out of
Australia-owned Pacific Telco likely exploited by private spies
An Australian-owned mobile phone operator in the Pacific Islands, Digicel Pacific, has likely been used by private spy firms to track people on the other side of the world and steal their data, according to an expert
USP welcomes new Chancellor
In a historic moment, Sir David Okete Vuvuiri Vunagi, Governor General of the Solomon Islands, was officially installed as the 30th Chancellor of The University of the South Pacific (USP). The installation ceremony took
Pacific women leaders urged to support each other, and all women
“From the beginning, we were created to stand by each other, to support each other. It is through the patriarchal design that got us here today where we must also find the solution.” That was the message from
Moratorium placed on deep sea mining in PNG: PM Marape
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says a moratorium has been placed on the Nautilus deep sea mining and will continue until scientific evidence proves otherwise. Marape said the Melanesian Spearhead
Direct flights to boost MSG economies
More economic opportunities will open up for member countries of the Melanesian Spearhead Group(MSG) following the introduction of direct flights connecting Port Moresby to Asian destinations, Vanuatu and New Caledonia,
A ‘new’ development policy? Or did Australia just miss its moment?
A new development policy for Australia presented an opportunity to reinvigorate a program that has lost its way amid the ambivalence, and occasional outright hostility, shown towards aid by successive conservative
Vanuatu’s opposition plan fourth no confidence motion to oust government
Vanuatu’s opposition bloc is reportedly planning to file a fourth motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau as the country’s political crisis continues. Reliable sources close to