SSC to Review Fisheries Data and Management Strategies
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet Dec. 12-13, 2024, to address key issues affecting fisheries management in the Pacific Islands. Electronic
Fiji PM Rabuka urges Pacific unity, Proposes regional Tuna management bloc
Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka called for a united front among Western and Central Pacific nations to manage their tuna resources, even suggesting the formation of a “tuna OPEC” to wield greater influence
Federated States of Micronesia eyes wider access to global market for tuna
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is seeking to expand its tuna industry by securing broader access to the international market and reforming its foreign investment policies. At the Second National Fisheries
PNG’s Fishing Industry Association: A global leader in responsible sourcing in the seafood industry
After successfully meeting the commitments it has made around tuna fisheries sustainability, traceability and sourcing, the Papua New Guinea Fishing Industry Association (FIA) has similar ambitions for its mud crab
Opinion: Small-Scale Fishers facing Large-Scale Challenges at WTO
A decision whether to conclude negotiations that prohibit subsidies that contribute to overfishing and overcapacity is happening next week at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The WTO General Council meeting follows
PALM preview: fisheries research vessels and Fukushima
The government plans to provide one fisheries research vessel free of charge to each of the four Pacific Island nations of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, it has been learned. Prime
Pacific nations stand firm on fisheries and oceans protection
For Pacific Island nations, marine conservation and sustainable fisheries management are crucial because the health of ocean resources deeply influences their economies and livelihoods. In recent times, contrasting
Equitable Fishing Access and Sustainable Practices to be Addressed at Upcoming Council Meeting in Honolulu
As the U.S. exclusive economic zone available to fishing continues to shrink due to federal regulations, foreign fishing presence increases and Pacific Islands bear the brunt of American conservation efforts, justice
Palau considers expanding fishing zone in marine sanctuary
The Palau government, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment (MAFE), is proposing changes to the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) that would significantly increase the area allowed for
22 fishermen rescued as vessel sinks in Tuvalu waters
Twenty-two fishermen were dramatically rescued on Sunday morning, minutes before their vessel sank in the waters of the South Pacific. The FV Marielle, a purse seine fishing vessel owned by the Caroline Fisheries
FFA launches new electronic systems to strengthen Pacific fisheries monitoring
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has launched two new electronic systems built for vessel registrations and Port State Measures. FFA Director General Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen introduced the Electronic Vessel
Regional tuna expert sounds caution in developing seabed mining
Leading Pacific tuna industry expert, Dr Transform Aqorau, has drawn from the region’s experiences with its massive tuna fisheries industry to sound caution in the development of the “next frontier” of deep seabed
US scores overdue increase in bigeye tuna catch limit, while American Samoa struggles to sustain its local tuna economy
The 20th Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) was held December 4-8, 2023, in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The primary focus at this meeting was revising the conservation and
Te Ipukarea Society: Deep seabed mining and the emerging risk to our tuna fisheries
Last week saw the Cook Islands host one of the most significant meetings with respect to the shared tuna stocks in the region. That was the annual session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission,
Aboard the Run Da vessels
A warning for Pacific crew Sometime in 2018, a Fiji policewoman told us an incredible story about a young Fijian fellow who had been a deckhand crew member on the Run Da 5, a Chinese longline vessel licensed to fish in
New tuna harvest strategy
A new Tropical Tuna Measure was adopted by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission 20th meeting which concluded early Saturday morning in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The measure will guide fishing controls for
Japan’s large Pacific bluefin tuna catch limit to be raised in 2024
An international commission responsible for managing Pacific bluefin tuna stocks has decided to allow Japan to effectively increase its catch limit for larger sizes in 2024, reflecting a recovery in their population,
Urgent calls for proactive measures at WCPFC to safeguard future of Pacific fisheries
The 20th session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission currently meeting in Rarotonga, Cook Islands must put in measures that would ensure the sustainability of our fisheries, says WWF Western and
Climate change, overfishing: Pacific tuna faces ‘unprecedented challenges’
The annual regional fisheries meeting to discuss and address crucial matters concerning tuna fisheries and the marine ecosystems they inhabit began Wednesday with a traditional welcome and official opening ceremony at
Unlocking Transparency: Fiji’s Fight Against IUU Fishing
Fiji is taking a firm stance in the global battle against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing placing transparency at the forefront of their mission. The enormity of IUU fishing in Pacific tuna fisheries
Fukushima nuclear plant starts 3rd release of treated radioactive wastewater into the sea
The tsunami-damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant began its third release of treated and diluted radioactive wastewater into the sea Thursday after Japanese officials said the two earlier releases ended
U.S. House committee moves South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act forward
The U.S. House’s Natural Resources Committee has approved legislation that would finally bring America’s regulations into alignment with amendments to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty signed in 2016. The 1987 treaty
Fijian fishermen lost at sea for nine days ‘found’
Three Fijian fishermen have been found by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, nine days after they were reported missing aboard their boat. The fishermen, aboard the Lewa, left Lautoka planning to go fishing at Nanuya
