Latest news with #PacificIslandsForumFisheriesAgency
Scoop
5 days ago
- Scoop
Operation TUI MOANA 2025 Concludes With Strong Regional Coordination
Press Release – Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency The operation concluded on Friday 23 May 2025, with the successful participation of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. HONIARA, 27 MAY 2025 – Ten Members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) took part in Operation TUI MOANA 2025 (OPTM25), a two-week regional operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing across FFA Members' Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and adjacent high seas areas within the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) area. The operation concluded on Friday 23 May 2025, with the successful participation of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. A key highlight of OPTM25 involved the listing of nine vessels of interest (VOI), including one confirmed apprehension for suspected IUU fishing activities. Furthermore, a total of 76 fishing vessels were boarded – 30 in port and 46 at sea – with an additional 31 vessel sightings and 4,937 satellite detections recorded. FFA Officer in Charge of the Fisheries Operations Division, Jason Raubani, praised the collaborative efforts during OPTM25's final briefing. 'The success of OPTM25 highlights the continued strong regional cooperation that is in place, and the commitment to protecting the rights of Members and their valuable tuna resources.' He noted that follow-up investigations are already underway and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum through national enforcement efforts and regional coordination. Supporting the operation were the Pacific QUADs – Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States – along with key monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) partners. A team of 29 national officers representing the participating Members, along with P-QUAD and partner personnel, were based at the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara throughout the operation. They coordinated real-time surveillance and intelligence efforts, directing surface and aerial patrols across the region. The RFSC team developed daily intelligence briefings using MCS tools and surveillance data, which were used to guide operations and inspections by national authorities and partner agencies. The operation also reinforced cooperation under the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement, allowing joint action across maritime boundaries and information sharing.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Scoop
Operation TUI MOANA 2025 Concludes With Strong Regional Coordination
Press Release – Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency The operation concluded on Friday 23 May 2025, with the successful participation of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. HONIARA, 27 MAY 2025 – Ten Members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) took part in Operation TUI MOANA 2025 (OPTM25), a two-week regional operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing across FFA Members' Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and adjacent high seas areas within the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) area. The operation concluded on Friday 23 May 2025, with the successful participation of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. A key highlight of OPTM25 involved the listing of nine vessels of interest (VOI), including one confirmed apprehension for suspected IUU fishing activities. Furthermore, a total of 76 fishing vessels were boarded – 30 in port and 46 at sea – with an additional 31 vessel sightings and 4,937 satellite detections recorded. FFA Officer in Charge of the Fisheries Operations Division, Jason Raubani, praised the collaborative efforts during OPTM25's final briefing. 'The success of OPTM25 highlights the continued strong regional cooperation that is in place, and the commitment to protecting the rights of Members and their valuable tuna resources.' He noted that follow-up investigations are already underway and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum through national enforcement efforts and regional coordination. Supporting the operation were the Pacific QUADs – Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States – along with key monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) partners. A team of 29 national officers representing the participating Members, along with P-QUAD and partner personnel, were based at the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara throughout the operation. They coordinated real-time surveillance and intelligence efforts, directing surface and aerial patrols across the region. The RFSC team developed daily intelligence briefings using MCS tools and surveillance data, which were used to guide operations and inspections by national authorities and partner agencies. The operation also reinforced cooperation under the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement, allowing joint action across maritime boundaries and information sharing.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Fisheries Officials Meeting Concludes In Niue With Strong Commitments To Regional Cooperation And Sustainability
Press Release – Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency The meeting received updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat on the review of the FFA Strategic Plan, progress on regional fisheries policies, and the need for strengthened international engagement by the FFA Secretariat … The 138th Annual Officials Meeting of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) has officially concluded in Alofi, Niue, after a productive week of deliberations and strategic discussions. The outcomes from this meeting will now be presented to Ministers at the upcoming FFC Ministerial Meeting in July. Over five days, fisheries officials from across the Pacific focused on advancing the sustainable management of the region's valuable tuna fisheries. Officials addressed a wide range of strategic priorities including regional policy development, climate resilience and strengthened international engagement. The delegates reviewed more than 50 discussion papers across over 40 agenda items, setting the stage for the FFC Ministerial Meeting in July. The meeting received updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat on the review of the FFA Strategic Plan, progress on regional fisheries policies, and the need for strengthened international engagement by the FFA Secretariat to champion Members' interests globally. Officials also noted updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) on the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the formation of Thematic Advisory Groups (TAGs), as endorsed by Pacific Leaders in 2024. Officials also heard first-hand from PIFS Acting Director, Dr Salome Taufa, on the progress of the ongoing Review of the Regional Architecture. In his address, FFA Director-General Noan Pakop said, 'This has been a highly productive and collaborative week, with robust discussions that go to the heart of effective fisheries governance. My sincere thanks to Chair Poi Okesene for your strong leadership and steady guidance throughout. The strong engagement from Members, observers, CROP agencies, and partners was a key to the success of the 138th Officials Meeting. A special thank you to Niue – from the Minister Mona Aniu'u's leadership and the Prime Minister's support to the remarkable hospitality of your community – your support has been exceptional.' Mr Pakop also highlighted key areas of discussion, including updates on the Climate Change Strategy endorsed by Ministers last year, Global Climate Fund (GCF) project, labour standards on fishing vessels, and East New Britain Initiative. Chair of the Meeting and Niue Director of Fisheries, Poi Okesene expressed his appreciation during his remarks at the closing, 'Thank you to everyone – fisheries officials, PIFS, SPC, FFA – who made this week a success. It's been 16 years since Niue last hosted this meeting, and it was an honour to do so again. From the comprehensive agenda to the warm hospitality and community support, Niue has truly come together to host this meeting. I'm humbled of what we've achieved and look forward to continued collaboration during my term as Chair.' The Chair also acknowledged the contribution of community groups in providing local food and support throughout the meeting, as well as the core organizing team, FFA staff, and Niue government ministries. One of the highlights was the support for the Chair's Oceans Literacy Initiative – Investing in Our People, which promotes a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-CROP approach to strengthening ocean stewardship across the region. Another key highlight was the update on the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Strategy, adopted by FFC Ministers in 2024, which is now in its first year of implementation. Cook Islands Head of Delegation, Pamela Maru, on behalf of the FFA Members, praised Director Okesene's steadfast leadership, 'We appreciate the FFA Director-General and Secretariat's efforts, alongside SPC's technical advice, as we navigated through substantive regional fisheries priorities. Chair Poi diligently kept us focused resulting in some strong outcomes. Most impressive, was the attentive and professional support that was extended to us by the DAFF team. Niue's hospital and commitment to this process has been truly remarkable.' The five-day meeting was attended by 80 fisheries officials from the 17 Members of the FFA. The meeting closed on Thursday (15 May 2025) with a strong sense of unity and momentum as Members prepare for the next phase of strategic planning and engagement leading into the FFC Ministers Meeting in July 2025. About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). The 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: About the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) The Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) is the governing body of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). The FFC comprises of two layers of governance: the FFC Officials and the FFC Ministerial. The FFC Officials, consisting of senior fisheries officials from the 17 Members of FFA, undertakes higher-level oversight and sets the strategic direction. They also agree on FFA's priorities, annual reporting, and budgeting. The FFC Ministerial, made up of fisheries ministers from the 17 Members of FFA, undertakes higher-level oversight and sets the strategic direction.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Fisheries Officials Meeting Concludes In Niue With Strong Commitments To Regional Cooperation And Sustainability
Press Release – Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency The meeting received updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat on the review of the FFA Strategic Plan, progress on regional fisheries policies, and the need for strengthened international engagement by the FFA Secretariat … The 138th Annual Officials Meeting of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) has officially concluded in Alofi, Niue, after a productive week of deliberations and strategic discussions. The outcomes from this meeting will now be presented to Ministers at the upcoming FFC Ministerial Meeting in July. Over five days, fisheries officials from across the Pacific focused on advancing the sustainable management of the region's valuable tuna fisheries. Officials addressed a wide range of strategic priorities including regional policy development, climate resilience and strengthened international engagement. The delegates reviewed more than 50 discussion papers across over 40 agenda items, setting the stage for the FFC Ministerial Meeting in July. The meeting received updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat on the review of the FFA Strategic Plan, progress on regional fisheries policies, and the need for strengthened international engagement by the FFA Secretariat to champion Members' interests globally. Officials also noted updates from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) on the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the formation of Thematic Advisory Groups (TAGs), as endorsed by Pacific Leaders in 2024. Officials also heard first-hand from PIFS Acting Director, Dr Salome Taufa, on the progress of the ongoing Review of the Regional Architecture. In his address, FFA Director-General Noan Pakop said, 'This has been a highly productive and collaborative week, with robust discussions that go to the heart of effective fisheries governance. My sincere thanks to Chair Poi Okesene for your strong leadership and steady guidance throughout. The strong engagement from Members, observers, CROP agencies, and partners was a key to the success of the 138th Officials Meeting. A special thank you to Niue – from the Minister Mona Aniu'u's leadership and the Prime Minister's support to the remarkable hospitality of your community – your support has been exceptional.' Mr Pakop also highlighted key areas of discussion, including updates on the Climate Change Strategy endorsed by Ministers last year, Global Climate Fund (GCF) project, labour standards on fishing vessels, and East New Britain Initiative. Chair of the Meeting and Niue Director of Fisheries, Poi Okesene expressed his appreciation during his remarks at the closing, 'Thank you to everyone – fisheries officials, PIFS, SPC, FFA – who made this week a success. It's been 16 years since Niue last hosted this meeting, and it was an honour to do so again. From the comprehensive agenda to the warm hospitality and community support, Niue has truly come together to host this meeting. I'm humbled of what we've achieved and look forward to continued collaboration during my term as Chair.' The Chair also acknowledged the contribution of community groups in providing local food and support throughout the meeting, as well as the core organizing team, FFA staff, and Niue government ministries. One of the highlights was the support for the Chair's Oceans Literacy Initiative – Investing in Our People, which promotes a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-CROP approach to strengthening ocean stewardship across the region. Another key highlight was the update on the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Strategy, adopted by FFC Ministers in 2024, which is now in its first year of implementation. Cook Islands Head of Delegation, Pamela Maru, on behalf of the FFA Members, praised Director Okesene's steadfast leadership, 'We appreciate the FFA Director-General and Secretariat's efforts, alongside SPC's technical advice, as we navigated through substantive regional fisheries priorities. Chair Poi diligently kept us focused resulting in some strong outcomes. Most impressive, was the attentive and professional support that was extended to us by the DAFF team. Niue's hospital and commitment to this process has been truly remarkable.' The five-day meeting was attended by 80 fisheries officials from the 17 Members of the FFA. The meeting closed on Thursday (15 May 2025) with a strong sense of unity and momentum as Members prepare for the next phase of strategic planning and engagement leading into the FFC Ministers Meeting in July 2025. About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). The 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: About the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) The Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) is the governing body of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). The FFC comprises of two layers of governance: the FFC Officials and the FFC Ministerial. The FFC Officials, consisting of senior fisheries officials from the 17 Members of FFA, undertakes higher-level oversight and sets the strategic direction. They also agree on FFA's priorities, annual reporting, and budgeting. The FFC Ministerial, made up of fisheries ministers from the 17 Members of FFA, undertakes higher-level oversight and sets the strategic direction.
Scoop
09-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Ten Years Together: Celebrating Regional Solidarity Through The NTSA
Press Release – Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency The landmark event celebrates 10 years since the NTSA came into force in July 2014, strengthening regional cooperation in fisheries surveillance and law enforcement in the Pacific region. ALOFI, NIUE, 8 MAY 2025 – Fisheries officials from across the 17 Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), mark a decade of regional collaboration under the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement (NTSA), during the 7th Meeting of the Parties in Niue. The landmark event celebrates 10 years since the NTSA came into force in July 2014, strengthening regional cooperation in fisheries surveillance and law enforcement in the Pacific region. The NTSA is a Subsidiary Agreement to the 1992 Niue Treaty, which was adopted on 2 November 2012 and came into force on 22 July 2014 following ratification by four Member countries. It provides a legally binding framework for operational-level cooperation, and enables Pacific Island Countries to jointly undertake monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) of their fisheries resources. The 7th Meeting of the Parties brought together 13 signatory Parties including Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, with four other FFA Members – Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, and Tokelau – who attended as observers. The 10th Anniversary celebration provided an opportunity for Members to reflect on past achievements and reaffirm their commitment to sustainable fisheries management, to ensure that economic and social benefits continue to flow to Pacific communities. 'It is deeply meaningful to host this anniversary here in Niue, where the Treaty was first signed over three decades ago,' said Poi Okesene, Niue's Director of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries under the Ministry of Resources. 'To return to where it all began and mark 10 years of regional cooperation under the NTSA is a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to protecting our ocean resources together.' Since its inception, over 40 cooperative MCS activities have been conducted under the NTSA framework, including joint patrols, capacity-building programs, Inzone, High Seas Surveillance, and technical resource support amongst the Parties. These activities have not only enhanced the region's ability to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing but also strengthened trust and operational readiness among the Pacific Island countries. 'Celebrating 10 years of the NTSA is a significant milestone for the Pacific,' said FFA Director-General, Noan Pakop. 'The Agreement demonstrates the power of regional cooperation and Pacific solidarity in the Monitoring and Surveillance of a vast Pacific Region.' The key highlights from the past six meetings include: Enhanced cross-border surveillance coordination Increased deployment of patrol vessels and aircraft across EEZs Expanded MCS training and experience exchange for national MCS officers Strengthened legal and operational frameworks to support compliance The NTSA is deeply aligned with the Blue Pacific and contributes to the key priorities of the 2050 Strategy, especially to ocean and environment, security, people-centred development and resource sovereignty and resilience. As the Pacific marks the 10th Anniversary of this critical agreement, the NTSA remains a vital tool to the limited resources within Parties and in ensuring sustainable use of marine resources, supporting sustainability and resilience, and preserving ocean health for our future generations.
