Latest news with #FFA
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Milestone Agreement On South Pacific Albacore Allocation Strengthens Regional Tuna Management
ALOFI, NIUE, 24 JULY 2025 – In a landmark development for Pacific fisheries, officials have reached consensus on the long-standing issue of South Pacific albacore (SPA) tuna allocation within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Members south of the equator. This breakthrough comes after nearly two decades of negotiations and represents a historic advancement in regional fisheries cooperation. The agreed allocations, will form the basis of a binding agreement under the FFA Allocation Framework for SPA, reinforcing the region's commitment to sustainable, equitable, and responsible tuna fisheries management. The Ministers' endorsement of the proposed allocation paves the way for a modernised, zone-based approach to longline fisheries management. 'This outcome is a major step forward for the Pacific,' said Honourable Mona Ainu'u, Ministerial Chair of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC). 'South Pacific albacore is the backbone of our tuna longline fisheries and the economies of many of our coastal states. This agreement signals our unity and determination to protect our resources for future generations while also enabling fair economic returns today.' The newly adopted framework will help advance the region's position in broader negotiations at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) such as the adoption of a SPA Management Procedure and its Implementation that recognises zone-based management; and high seas management. 'This decision exemplifies Pacific solidarity,' said FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop. 'It shows that our Members can come together to make bold, science-based, grounded in fairness and anchored in the Pacific Way of cooperation.' Although the SPA stock remains healthy, declining catch rates have affected economic viability of the fishery especially for Pacific Islands domestic fleets. This agreement ensures management decisions consider stock health and the economic viability of the Southern longline fishery. SPA is a key tuna species for the domestic longline fisheries of Pacific Island countries, supporting thousands of jobs, livelihoods, and national revenue streams across the region. It sustains local processing industries and is integral to food security and economic resilience in many coastal communities. As the region prepares to implement the agreement, Ministers reaffirmed the importance of continued strong collaboration with partners to secure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the Pacific's tuna resources. FFA assists its 17-member countries to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
24th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting Concludes In Niue
ALOFI, NIUE, 24 JULY 2025 – The 24th Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) Ministerial Meeting and the 6th Regional Fisheries Ministers Meeting (RFMM) concluded today in Niue, with a Ministerial Retreat held in Alofi. Ministers from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu attended the meeting, along with the Fisheries Minister of New Caledonia, who participated as an observer. Senior officials representing Australia, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Nauru, Samoa, Tokelau, and Tonga were also in attendance. The official FFCMin24 Communiqué was adopted during the retreat, outlining key priorities and agreements that will help shape discussions at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Solomon Islands this September. The Communiqué addresses critical issues such as the Fisheries Roadmap, the Chair's Ocean Literacy Initiative, and the implementation of FFA's Climate Change Strategy. Key Ministerial Endorsements include: Adoption of the Ocean Literacy Initiative Ministers reaffirmed the importance of Ocean Literacy and the need to ensure it reflects our Pacific identity, culture, and environment. They recognised that this initiative strengthens the connection between our ocean, language, culture, and traditional ecological wisdom that is deeply rooted in our communities and people. They called for whole-of-government and whole-of-society collaboration to ensure a holistic, multi-stakeholder approach and expressed gratitude to the Ministerial Chair Hon. Mona Ainu'u for her leadership on this initiative. Implementation of Climate Change Strategy Ministers welcomed the progress on the implementation of the FFA Climate Change Strategy and acknowledged the engagement of Members and the Secretariat in the ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change. They directed the FFA Secretariat to continue supporting Members in implementing the Strategy, and strongly reaffirmed support for the Government of Australia's bid to host UNFCCC COP31 in partnership with the Pacific in 2026. This will elevate the call for more action to protect our oceans and tuna fisheries from the impacts of climate change. South Pacific Albacore Management Ministers unanimously endorsed the landmark agreement on proportional allocation of South Pacific albacore (SPA) among FFA Members - a breakthrough that marks a major milestone in regional fisheries management and stands as a powerful testament to Pacific unity, collective leadership, and mutual respect. They supported the formation of a strong and unified FFA negotiating position to be taken to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in December 2025. East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) Ministers noted progress on the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi), including enhanced resourcing and funding support. They acknowledged that some elements that have already been advanced by the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Members through initiatives such as Pacific Island Tuna (PIT), Tripartite and other PNA proposals focussed on dockside offloading, in-region processing and electronic monitoring. Ministers noted that PNA Ministers take the lead on the commercialisation of the ENBi and directed the FFA Secretariat to accelerate its operationalisation in close association with the PNA – including efforts on regional processing hubs and the establishment of the Regional Fisheries Development Fund. Independent Refresh and Performance Review Ministers welcomed the final report of the Independent Refresh and Performance Review of the Agency and endorsed the formation of a small working group, to be chaired by the Ministerial Chair, to oversee implementation of the recommendations in collaboration with the Director General. They also acknowledged the need for adequate resourcing to support the Director General in delivering on the report recommendations. Economic and Fisheries Ministerial Working Group Ministers noted updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and the FFA Secretariat on the feasibility of establishing a joint Economic and Fisheries Ministers Working Group. They agreed to suspend the initiative until the institutional arrangements within the Member countries and the Secretariats are in order. 2050 Strategy and Review of the Regional Architecture Ministers noted the update on the 2050 Strategy and the Review of Regional Architecture. They reaffirmed their strong commitment to supporting the FFA Secretariat and acknowledged the significant national and regional value generated through fisheries cooperation. Observers from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office (PNAO), The Pacific Community (SPC) and the University of the South Pacific (USP) were also in attendance. The meeting was supported by the FFA Secretariat. New Zealand will host the next FFC Ministerial meeting in June 2026. About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) FFA assists its 17-member countries to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific Fisheries Ministers Focus On Ocean Future In Niue
'Are we standing strong together? It's a thoughtful question to reflect on as we meet this week – how do we continue reinforcing our unity and shared purpose across the region?' said the Prime Minister of Niue, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, as he officially opened the 24th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting (FFCMIN24) and the 6th Regional Fisheries Ministers Meeting in Alofi, Niue. Hosted by the Government of Niue and coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the meeting brings together regional Fisheries Ministers and senior officials to chart a sustainable future for Pacific fisheries. In welcoming Ministers from FFA's Member countries, the Prime Minister said, 'I am honoured to have you here. We don't often host such regional gatherings in Niue, but I encourage you to support us - at least one Ministerial meeting here a year. Until then, I can't say we're truly achieving the collective regionalism we always speak of.' He encouraged delegates to be bold, reminding them: 'We believe in what you do. Our job as leaders is to endorse, to support, and to ensure our Blue Pacific Continent is well served by all of us together.' Outgoing Chair, Ms. Erana Aliklik of Nauru, congratulated the incoming Chair and Minister for Natural Resources, Hon. Mona Ainu'u, saying,"I now hand over the paddle of leadership to our incoming chair, Hon. Minister Mona, with full confidence that, together, we will continue steering our Pacific forward with strength, vision, and unity. Through Pacific solidarity, our voices are stronger, our actions more impactful, and our future more secure.' Incoming Chair, Hon. Mona Ainu'u, reflected on the values guiding her leadership: 'We are here for a reason - a good reason,' she said. 'In the Pacific, we are ocean people. We live in the sea. We see the impacts of climate change and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) and the challenge is to link our traditional knowledge and modern fisheries management to ensure sustainability of our tuna resources. This week, I hope we continue our conversations and chart a way forward -not just for us, but for the young people and the whole of society, who need to understand and protect our ocean.'
Los Angeles Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Feeling blue? ‘Find Your Happy' at the 135th annual Orange County Fair
If you find yourself with a case of the summertime blues, there's perhaps no better place to 'Find Your Happy' than this year's Orange County Fair, which returns to the Costa Mesa fairgrounds on Friday. Organizers of this year's 135th annual celebration have been busy planning the start of the big show, prepping staging areas on the 150-acre site for the more than 1 million visitors anticipated to walk through the gates each Wednesday through Sunday before the fair closes on Aug. 17. 'There are trucks parked everywhere, and they're unloading the rides. Concessionaires are rolling trailers in and putting up all the big signs,' OC Fair & Event Center spokeswoman Terry Moore said in a catch-up session Thursday. 'At Centennial Farm, everything's getting spruced up and looking good. I'm seeing 4-H folks and FFA kids start to get their stuff set up. Kids raise these animals and it's an enormous amount of work and there's a lot of expense but you learn a ton. And it's one of those things you'll find only at the county fair.' Attendance at this year's event will be capped at roughly 50,000 visitors per day, but those who pay for entry to a concert at the Pacific Amphitheater or other ticketed event will be able to access the fair for the entire day, even on days already deemed 'sold out.' Last year, officials reported more than 1.13 million guests visited the fairground, up more than 81,000 people compared to 2023, with 12 of the fair's 23 days exceeding the cap and nine days selling out. More than 130,000 fairgoers attended concerts at the amphitheater, while 32,000 guests enjoyed performances at the Hangar and some 30,000 audience members partook in high-octane events at the Action Sports Arena, OCFEC estimates. Area residents stunned in the competition and display categories — from table settings and personal collections to handicrafts and culinary entries — bringing in 16,259 submissions and netting a collective $38,275 in prize money. This year, eager to stay on top of the latest foodie trends, concession stand operators are offering some new and unique treats, such as nopales tacos, Dubai chocolate brownies at Mom's Bakeshoppe, tres leches cinnamon rolls at Country Fair Cinnamon Rolls and deep-fried apple pie a la mode at Tom's Puffs & Pie. Moore said even employees at the fairgrounds are looking forward to the coming attractions, along with the return of culinary novelties that hit the mark last year. 'A surprising one for me was the bacon cotton candy on a smoked pork belly stick,' she said of a creation concocted at the stand Bacon Nation. 'They have bacon-flavored cotton candy on top of this pork belly stick, then put bacon chunks into it — it's a sweet and savory treat.' Fairgoers looking for a little bit of everything can once more enjoy a special Taste of the Fair every day until 4 p.m., where smaller samples are available at certain vendors for just $5. Ridesharing and public transit are encouraged, and parking costs $15 daily. General admission is $13 for adults on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $15 Fridays through Sundays. Tickets cost $9 for those over 60 and children aged 6 to 12, while kids 5 and under are free. Fair hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays at the Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. For more, visit
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
From the Farm: All American Junior Sheep Show
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — If you were near the Illinois State Fairgrounds this past weekend, you may have noticed thousands of sheep, and license plates from across the nation. Springfield was home to this year's All American Junior Sheep Show, which saw wool and smiles everywhere. Hundreds of people and thousands of sheep showed up from July 3-6, as it was Illinois' turn to host this annual event. From the Farm: Agribusiness Star Maroa-Forsyth FFA Chapter 'We filled up three barns with 3,000 head of sheep of kids that are four to 21-years-old from 25 states all over the country,' said Melanie Hall of Moweaqua. 'This a pure bread, breeding sheep show. Just kids, and some of the breeds have their national shows here.' A familiar face was at this event as well. Kade Beckmier, who was named the newest FFA Star Farmer, was at the Illinois State Fairgrounds competing in both showmanship and sheep. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
