THE Pacific region’s fisheries success is the result of deliberate, coordinated leadership focused on sustainability and community benefit.
Pacific leaders made a strategic decision nearly five decades ago to manage ocean resources collectively, and this decision has shaped the region’s trajectory, resulting in some of the world’s most sustainably harvested tuna stocks.
“Tuna serves as the economic backbone for many Pacific island countries, supporting public services and fiscal stability,” said Mona Ainuu, Chair of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) and Niue Minister for Natural Resources.
“Sustainable fisheries management is viewed as a development priority and strategic imperative, not just a sectoral issue.
“Fisheries are deeply embedded in Pacific culture, with skills and knowledge passed through generations.
“Sharing resources with neighbours reflects traditional values, mirrored today in regional cooperation.”
Ainuu said the Foreign Fisheries Committee’s theme emphasises working together to achieve impactful, sustainable fisheries.
“This cultural foundation strengthens regional unity and resource stewardship.”
Reform efforts aim to enhance the Fisheries Forum Agency (FFA) Secretariat’s ability to meet growing demands and future challenges.
The FFA Secretariat is undergoing reform based on an independent review with candid, constructive recommendations.
“Ministers see reform as an investment in future capacity, not criticism of past performance and a stronger Secretariat will provide better service delivery aligned with member needs.
“Improved governance will boost accountability, performance standards, and responsiveness to emerging issues.”
She said expanding needs include effective fisheries management, robust monitoring, climate resilience, digital systems, and value-added development.
“Sustainable, predictable funding is critical to meet these increasing demands and development partners’ long-standing technical and financial support has been vital to fisheries outcomes.
“The reform process aligns with the goal to enhance Secretariat capacity for these complex challenges.”
Effective collaboration between members and development partners hinges on ownership, transparency, and sustainability.
“Member ownership is paramount; governance must remain Pacific-led and based on collective member decisions.
“Transparency and accountability require that investments deliver measurable outcomes, and Long-term sustainability is essential; short-term projects cannot replace durable institutional strength.
“These principles ensure partnerships support lasting fisheries management success.”
Education and Future Generations Engagement
Engaging younger generations through education is key to sustaining long-term success in fisheries management.
The FFC Ministerial supports the Ocean Literacy Initiative to raise awareness among all people, especially youth.
Ainuu added that early education is critical so that future generations understand and uphold their responsibilities in fisheries.
“This initiative connects cultural values with sustainable resource management practices, and empowering youth ensures continuity of stewardship and benefits for Pacific communities.
“Ministers are encouraged to have open, honest dialogue at the symposium to build on effective practices and refine weaknesses.
“The goal is to ensure collective efforts deliver real, lasting benefits for Pacific peoples, and the inclusion of all stakeholders strengthens the governance system’s discipline, unity, and forward focus.
“Adequate resourcing is necessary to maintain global respect and regional stability.”
The FFA symposium, hosted this week in Suva, aims to clarify priorities, reduce duplication, identify gaps, coordinate support effectively, and encourage candid dialogue and deliberate alignment among members and development partners.
This practical focus helps mobilise resources where they are most needed, and the approach strengthens collective efforts and maximises impact.