Latest news with #MonaAinu'u
Scoop
6 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
6 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
24-07-2025
- 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.'
Scoop
24-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
Pacific Celebrates The Voices Of Women In Fisheries At The Fisheries Ministers Meeting In Niue
Women working behind the scenes across the Pacific fisheries sector were celebrated in Niue last night, as the latest edition of Moana Voices was honoured during the opening ceremony of the 24th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting (FFCMin24). The celebration, hosted by the Government of Niue, formed the second part of the official opening ceremony, shone a light on Pacific women whose critical contributions in fisheries often go unseen. From compliance officers to inspectors to processors and policy leaders, their stories took centre stage. The celebration was attended by regional Fisheries Ministers, representatives from Australia and New Zealand, CROP agencies including The Pacific Community (SPC) and the University of the South Pacific (USP), and local dignitaries. Traditional dances and singing provided a fitting Pacific backdrop as leaders and guests honoured the women whose stories too often go unheard. Incoming Chair of the Forum Fisheries Committee and Niue's Minister for Natural Resources, Hon. Mona Ainu'u, said, 'It's such a joy to celebrate not just a magazine, but the voices of Pacific women whose hands and hearts sustain our fisheries sector. Behind every vessel, every tuna shipment, every policy decision, there are women – working in factories, inspecting fish, monitoring compliance, leading agencies, and supporting families at home. Moana Voices reminds us that their stories matter.' The Moana Voices series is an ongoing initiative by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) to amplify the voices of women in fisheries, highlighting their essential but often unseen roles - from compliance officers and inspectors to processors, policy advocates, and leaders. This latest edition, revived after a few year's gap, continues that mission, to ensure women's contributions are visible, valued and recognised. One of those women is Tarawariki Laurenti, from Kiribati. She's one of the country's most experienced fisheries observers – and one of only around 2,500 observers worldwide. In a job where most people last just a year or two, her strength is remarkable. Tarawariki shared how isolating and challenging her work can be, saying: 'We women can face some minor harassment on board, and sometimes interference with our work… some officers trying to know what you write in your report.' Her story reminds us that fisheries are not just about tuna stocks and export dollars – they're about people. About courage. About resilience. And she is not alone. In Samoa, Lorian Finau-Groves is leading one of her country's biggest fisheries milestones—the establishment of the Seafood Safety Verification Unit, a project two decades in the making. As Lorian says herself: 'This has been a mission from our predecessors for, say, 20 years now,' paying tribute to both current and former fisheries officers whose persistence has brought this vision to life. For Samoa, this achievement is not just bureaucratic progress - it's the result of years of advocacy, leadership, and hard work. And at its heart is a woman leading change for her country. In Kiribati, Katherine Maruia stands alongside her all-female fisheries inspection team - nine women ensuring that every piece of fish exported from their atoll islands meets strict international food safety standards. Imagine that. Women regularly boarding fishing vessels where they're the only women among entire male crews - ensuring standards, ensuring safety, and showing the power of quiet leadership in spaces traditionally dominated by men. Both Lorian and Katherine represent what Moana Voices is all about. Their stories - and those of so many others in this magazine - remind us that the strength of our fisheries comes not just from the ocean, but from the people who work every day to manage, protect, and sustain it. And beyond the individual stories, this magazine also tells a bigger story. It's a celebration of who we are as a Pacific family. Our ocean doesn't divide us – it connects us. It binds us as one Blue Pacific Continent. Through fisheries, we are reconnecting, working together, and shaping a future we can be proud of. Speaking at the event, FFA Director General Noan Pakop said, 'Tonight, we honour women who work quietly but powerfully across the fisheries value chain. Moana Voices is not the start – it is the continuation of stories that need to be told. At FFA, we are humbled to work alongside our Members to celebrate these women and commit to advancing gender equality and inclusion throughout Pacific fisheries.' 'Across the fisheries sector – from data collection and inspection to policy advocacy – women are essential drivers of our industry's success. Through Moana Voices, we honour their stories and their strength.' Hon. Ainu'u closed the celebration with a powerful message, 'Our ocean doesn't divide us -it connects us. Through fisheries, we are bound as one Blue Pacific Continent. And through Moana Voices, we are reminded that our greatest resource is not just our tuna - it's our people.' The celebration of Moana Voices stands as a call to action across the region: to create safer, fairer, and more inclusive fisheries workplaces; to ensure women's voices are heard; and to keep telling the stories that sustain the Pacific's most valuable resource - its people. 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. Find out more here:
RNZ News
03-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Pacific news in brief for 3 July
This handout photograph released by Buckingham Palace on 25 January , 2025, shows Britain's King Charles III, posing for a photograph in the library at Balmoral, Scotland in Autumn 2024. Photo: MILLIE PILKINGTON / AFP King Charles III has been made a "care-holder" of one square kilometre of the Moana Mahu marine protected area, as a gift from Niue. Last week, ministers, indigenous leaders, businesses and investors gathered at a conference convened by the UK Government in London to discuss how to drive private money into restoring and conserving nature and natural services. At the reception after the meeting, Niue natural resources minister Mona Ainu'u presented King Charles with Niue honey and a certificate showing he had been made a Moana Mahu "care-holder". Niue said it is an innovative finance solution to protect oceans for future generations. Police in Papua New Guinea have caught an assistant policeman who allegedly freed his partner and twelve others from police custody in Simbu province. However 12 of the escapees are still on the run and pose a significant risk to the public. The Post-Courier reported the auxiliary officer and the woman, facing trial for murder, were arrested on Saturday after a public tip-off. Provincial police commander Superintendent Muzac Rubiang said the officer facilitated the breakout on 17 June by supplying spare keys to the cell block. Superintendent Rubiang said the escapees are dangerous, with eight accused of murder and one of rape. The assistant officer has now been charged with 13 counts of aiding prisoners to escape while his partner is charged with escaping from lawful custody. A new study has found the Papua New Guinea Government lost 2.59 billion kina - more than US$600 million - to the illicit alcohol market. The National reported illicit alcohol makes up 71 percent of the PNG alcohol market. Economic and financial consulting director Robert Southern has presented the report to the prime minister. He said homebrew alcohol makes up a third of the whole market. Fiji's Ministry of Finance has expressed confidence that the country will be removed from the European Union blacklist following an upcoming review. FBC reported Permanent Secretary for Finance Shiri Gounder saying the export incentive deduction remains the main hurdle keeping Fiji on the blacklist. Gounder said they are having a review with the EU in the next four to six months, "and with the current circumstances and the situation as we have laid out, we are very confident that we should get out of the blacklist". He said they will make a decision about the future of the export deduction, and whether they should modify it to suit EU requirements, at a later point.
