Page 28 - IB June July 2024

Oceans and Fisheries Oceans and Fisheries

Dr Winifereti Nainoca is Environment Specialist and Deputy
Team Leader for the Resilience & Sustainable Development
Team at the United Nations Development Program’s Pacific
Office in Fiji.
Speaking at the World Oceans Day celebrations, Dr Nainoca
urged caution in exploring the contentious frontier of seabed
mining.
“While seabed mining promises economic benefits, the
potential environmental toll demands rigorous scientific
scrutiny,” she asserted.
“We cannot afford irreversible damage to delicate
ecosystems.”
The Pacific is divided over seabed mining. Proponents argue
it could supply essential minerals for green technologies, yet
critics fear irreparable harm to marine ecosystems and local
livelihoods.
Dr Nainoca emphasised the need for informed decision-
making.
“We must prioritise robust environmental assessments and
stakeholder consultation,” she insisted.
“Only then can we mitigate risks and ensure sustainable
A fisheries enforcement officer inspects a longline fishing vessel in the Marshall
Islands. Photo: Francisco Blaha development.”
In February 2024, legislative amendments in the Cook
studies on MPAs, demonstrating their effectiveness in Islands reflected this complex debate.
restoring fish populations by 500% on average, yielding larger The introduction of “mineral harvesting” in seabed mining
fish over time, and improving adjacent fisheries through legislation has sparked controversy, with environmental
spillover effects. groups such as the Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) in the Cook
Costello emphasised that strict no-take marine reserves, Islands decrying it as greenwashing.
which prohibit fishing, yield the greatest economic benefits, TIS technical director, Kelvin Passfield, condemned the
refuting the notion that conservation negatively impacts the move, asserting that such terminology masks the destructive
fishing industry. nature of deep seabed mining.
“These findings offer the strongest evidence yet that The Pacific’s fisheries sector, already grappling with the
protecting the ocean replenishes it with abundant fish, shields impacts of climate change and illegal fishing, finds itself at a
it against climate change, and boosts economies,” Costello critical juncture.
noted. Dr Manoni called for enhanced regional cooperation, akin to
the governance frameworks that manage tuna fisheries.
Ocean conservation efforts “We need a unified approach to ocean governance that
On World Ocean Day 2024, celebrated on June 8, the youth incorporates transparency and accountability,” he stressed.
of the Blue Pacific underscored the critical importance of the “Lessons from tuna management can guide us in shaping
Pacific Ocean to their cultures, livelihoods, and economic responsible practices for seabed mining.”
development. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), tasked with
This year’s theme, “Awaken New Depths”, called for a regulating seabed mining beyond national jurisdictions, faces
revival of traditional knowledge alongside modern science for mounting pressure to establish comprehensive guidelines.
informed conservation decisions. “We need robust scientific research to guide decision-
Miliana Iga, representing the Pacific Youth Council, making on seabed mining,” Dr Nainoca urged.
highlighted this intrinsic bond. “We must weigh the potential economic benefits against the
“Pacific youth are more than just observers; we are irreversible environmental impacts.”
stewards of the ocean’s future. Our actions are crucial to According to Dr Manoni, to grapple with these challenges,
ensuring that the ocean remains a source of life, inspiration, collaborative efforts between governments, scientific
and sustenance for generations to come.” communities, and local stakeholders are crucial.
Youth-driven projects across the Pacific are leading the “Meaningful consultation with communities is essential
charge in reducing plastic waste and raising awareness about for any development project affecting their livelihoods,” he
its detrimental effects on marine life and ecosystems. stressed.
Dr Manoni, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, emphasised the “We must invest in research to understand the full
need for improved ocean literacy and education. implications of seabed mining,” Dr Nainoca urged.
“We must integrate traditional knowledge with modern “Only with comprehensive data can we make informed
science to safeguard our fisheries for future generations.” decisions that safeguard both our oceans and our future.”

28 Islands Business, June/July 2024