THE Pacific region is focused on sustainable fisheries management to boost long-term economic resilience and local benefits.
Collective stewardship under the 2050 Strategy guides fisheries management to ensure regional prosperity.
“The 2050 Strategic Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent sets the vision for ocean care,” said Alitia Bainivalu, Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, while addressing the delegates during the opening of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Second Development Partner Symposium (DPS2) in Suva.
She emphasises transitioning from donor-led to Pacific-led initiatives to target resources effectively.
“Achieving resilience requires unified regional leadership and shared responsibility, and this approach aims to secure fisheries as a critical economic asset for all Pacific nations.”
Shift from management to development impact highlights value retention and job creation, with strong stock assessment and governance providing a stable foundation for fisheries.
“Success is measured by capturing more economic value within Pacific economies and focusing on boosting domestic and regional processing to generate sustainable jobs.
“Climate resilience strategies are essential to protect communities amid environmental changes,” she said.
Upgrading technology and enforcement is critical to safeguard fisheries and maintain global competitiveness.
Investment in advanced monitoring and analytics enhances maritime protection, while electronic monitoring and digital reporting systems improve transparency and oversight.
Bainivalu said technology supports better enforcement of exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
Development partners are urged to deepen collaboration in these technical areas.
“These upgrades respond to shifting fish migration and rising market demands for traceability.”
Strengthening sovereign management through regional cooperation secures industrial infrastructure.
Enhanced logistics and supply chains are needed to improve export capabilities, and collective security frameworks help protect fisheries resources effectively.
Synchronising partner efforts with the FFA Strategic Plan reduces duplication. Institutional capacity building is prioritised to ensure long-term impact beyond projects.
Development Partner Coordination and Accountability
Aligning partner efforts with regional plans ensures impactful and transparent fisheries development.
Synchronising contributions with the FFA Strategic Plan maximises development impact.
Bainivalu added the goal is to eliminate redundant programs and focus resources where needed most.
“Transparency and accountability are key to meeting Pacific peoples’ shared ambitions, and building institutional memory is crucial for sustainable progress beyond short-term projects.
“The approach seeks to maintain the Pacific’s central role in global tuna supply chains.”
Focusing on long-term coordinated action transforms vision into concrete outcomes, and partners are encouraged to align around clear priorities and disciplined execution.
She emphasises turning dialogue into actionable frameworks for fisheries management.
The symposium fosters collaboration aimed at lasting economic and environmental benefits, and the collective effort aims to capture rightful economic returns for Pacific nations.