Latest news with #UnreportedandUnregulated
New Straits Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah poised to become region's deep-sea fishing hub
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is on track to becoming the region's premier deep-sea fishing hub, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said the state's location along international tuna migration routes, coupled with sheltered natural harbours and proximity to major producers like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, provides all the necessary prerequisites. "We have all the prerequisites, from location, resources, infrastructure, and policy support, to drive Sabah as a landing, processing, and exporting centre for deep-sea seafood at international standards," he said. Hajiji was speaking after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and Alpha Ocean Resources Berhad (AORB), as well as DBKK and Petco Trading Labuan Company Ltd. AORB will invest RM360 million to develop a European Union (EU)-compliant port in Kota Kinabalu specifically for tuna and deep-sea fish landings. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months and create more than 1,000 jobs across the industry value chain. "This port will comply with stringent EU standards, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), traceability systems, monitoring of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and comprehensive food safety protocols. "With such facilities, we will be able to penetrate premium export markets that were previously out of reach due to the lack of proper infrastructure," Hajiji said. Malaysia's membership in the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) will also enable the new port to serve as a legitimate landing centre for registered fishing vessels from around the world. "With projections of 1,000 vessels annually, each averaging 50 tonnes of catch, Sabah has the potential to land 50,000 tonnes of tuna per year and generate up to RM1.8 billion in economic value," he added. He said the economic benefits would extend beyond the catches, spurring related support sectors such as ice supply, bunkering services, food and beverage, and technical services. Hajiji also assured that the development of this industry would not overlook the welfare of local fishing communities. "We will continue to prioritise sustainable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in protecting the environment, upholding social responsibility, and ensuring good governance. This is to safeguard marine ecosystems and the people's economic well-being," he said. During the same ceremony, DBKK also signed an MoU with Petco Trading Labuan Company Ltd to develop a biogas energy complex at the Kayu Madang landfill. The project aims to convert methane from solid waste into 2 megawatts of clean electricity. "This energy will directly benefit the manufacturing sector in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP). It's a prime example of a circular economy approach, where the waste from one sector becomes a power source for another," he said. Present were Sabah Assistant Minister to Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir and city mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah.
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
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
ITLOS Judge Highlights Legal Duty To Strengthen Fisheries Enforcement At Judicial Symposium
Press Release – Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency The Judicial Symposium is attended by judicial representatives from eight FFA Members; Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. HONIARA, 20 JUNE 2025 – As the Judicial Symposium 2025 wraps up today in Honiara, one of the standout moments of the three-day gathering was the keynote address delivered by Honourable. Judge Dr Kathy-Ann Brown of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). In her address, Judge Brown called on Pacific judicial leaders to reinforce legal frameworks that address Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and uphold obligations under international law. Addressing Chief Justices, Judges, Magistrates and legal experts, Judge Brown outlined how legal responsibilities under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) are evolving, especially concerning due diligence, flag State liability – the responsibility of a country to monitor and control the actions of fishing vessels it has registered – and cooperation on the conservation of shared fish stocks. The Judicial Symposium is attended by judicial representatives from eight FFA Members; Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. 'The standard of due diligence has to be more severe for the riskier activities,' Judge Brown stated, referencing IUU fishing within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). 'The Tribunal addresses the sorts of measures that flag States would be expected to take, to fulfil its due diligence obligations with respect to IUU fishing in the EEZ,' she added. Judge Brown stressed that due diligence is not fixed, but shaped over time by scientific progress, emerging risks, and enforcement expectations. She made clear that legal liability for States may arise where there is a failure to meet these standards. 'A flag State… could be held liable only where there has been a failure to comply with its due diligence obligation.' She noted that sanctions for IUU fishing must be strong enough to remove the benefits of non-compliance and deter future violations. Drawing from ITLOS advisory opinions, Judge Brown also discussed: The legal obligations of flag States when their vessels violate coastal State laws; The duty of States to consult and cooperate on shared tuna stocks and migratory species; The extension of UNCLOS obligations to international organisations, parties to the agreement, that manage fisheries on behalf of their members; The recognition of climate change as marine pollution under UNCLOS, with implications for enforcement and responsibility. She also referenced the ITLOS Climate Advisory Opinion, which affirms that greenhouse gas emissions affecting the marine environment fall under the definition of pollution in UNCLOS. This, she said, reinforces the legal obligation of States to act based on the best available science and to take measures to prevent or mitigate environmental harm. 'States have the obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment,' she said, citing UNCLOS Article 192. Judge Brown's address carried particular weight given her distinguished background in international law and public service. A Jamaican national, she has served on the ITLOS bench since 2020. Her legal career spans roles as Deputy Solicitor General of Jamaica, Permanent Representative to the International Seabed Authority, and Chief Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister of Jamaica. She is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law and was inducted into the Hall of Eminent Caribbean International Jurists in 2019. In 2024, she received the International Justice Award in honour of Judge C.G. Weeramantry. The Judicial Symposium 2025 was co-hosted by the Solomon Islands Chief Justice Sir Albert R. Palmer and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). Over the three-day event, judicial leaders engaged in dialogue on international fisheries law, compliance challenges, and the critical role of legal interpretation in securing sustainable fisheries for the Pacific region. The Symposium ends today with final reflections from the judiciary, followed by a formal closing session led by the Chief Justice of Solomon Islands and the FFA Director-General.
Scoop
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
ITLOS Judge Highlights Legal Duty To Strengthen Fisheries Enforcement At Judicial Symposium
Press Release – Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency The Judicial Symposium is attended by judicial representatives from eight FFA Members; Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. HONIARA, 20 JUNE 2025 – As the Judicial Symposium 2025 wraps up today in Honiara, one of the standout moments of the three-day gathering was the keynote address delivered by Honourable. Judge Dr Kathy-Ann Brown of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). In her address, Judge Brown called on Pacific judicial leaders to reinforce legal frameworks that address Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and uphold obligations under international law. Addressing Chief Justices, Judges, Magistrates and legal experts, Judge Brown outlined how legal responsibilities under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) are evolving, especially concerning due diligence, flag State liability – the responsibility of a country to monitor and control the actions of fishing vessels it has registered – and cooperation on the conservation of shared fish stocks. The Judicial Symposium is attended by judicial representatives from eight FFA Members; Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. 'The standard of due diligence has to be more severe for the riskier activities,' Judge Brown stated, referencing IUU fishing within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). 'The Tribunal addresses the sorts of measures that flag States would be expected to take, to fulfil its due diligence obligations with respect to IUU fishing in the EEZ,' she added. Judge Brown stressed that due diligence is not fixed, but shaped over time by scientific progress, emerging risks, and enforcement expectations. She made clear that legal liability for States may arise where there is a failure to meet these standards. 'A flag State… could be held liable only where there has been a failure to comply with its due diligence obligation.' She noted that sanctions for IUU fishing must be strong enough to remove the benefits of non-compliance and deter future violations. Drawing from ITLOS advisory opinions, Judge Brown also discussed: The legal obligations of flag States when their vessels violate coastal State laws; The duty of States to consult and cooperate on shared tuna stocks and migratory species; The extension of UNCLOS obligations to international organisations, parties to the agreement, that manage fisheries on behalf of their members; The recognition of climate change as marine pollution under UNCLOS, with implications for enforcement and responsibility. She also referenced the ITLOS Climate Advisory Opinion, which affirms that greenhouse gas emissions affecting the marine environment fall under the definition of pollution in UNCLOS. This, she said, reinforces the legal obligation of States to act based on the best available science and to take measures to prevent or mitigate environmental harm. 'States have the obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment,' she said, citing UNCLOS Article 192. Judge Brown's address carried particular weight given her distinguished background in international law and public service. A Jamaican national, she has served on the ITLOS bench since 2020. Her legal career spans roles as Deputy Solicitor General of Jamaica, Permanent Representative to the International Seabed Authority, and Chief Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister of Jamaica. She is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law and was inducted into the Hall of Eminent Caribbean International Jurists in 2019. In 2024, she received the International Justice Award in honour of Judge C.G. Weeramantry. The Judicial Symposium 2025 was co-hosted by the Solomon Islands Chief Justice Sir Albert R. Palmer and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). Over the three-day event, judicial leaders engaged in dialogue on international fisheries law, compliance challenges, and the critical role of legal interpretation in securing sustainable fisheries for the Pacific region. The Symposium ends today with final reflections from the judiciary, followed by a formal closing session led by the Chief Justice of Solomon Islands and the FFA Director-General.
Scoop
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
ITLOS Judge Highlights Legal Duty To Strengthen Fisheries Enforcement At Judicial Symposium
HONIARA, 20 JUNE 2025 – As the Judicial Symposium 2025 wraps up today in Honiara, one of the standout moments of the three-day gathering was the keynote address delivered by Honourable. Judge Dr Kathy-Ann Brown of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). In her address, Judge Brown called on Pacific judicial leaders to reinforce legal frameworks that address Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and uphold obligations under international law. Addressing Chief Justices, Judges, Magistrates and legal experts, Judge Brown outlined how legal responsibilities under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) are evolving, especially concerning due diligence, flag State liability - the responsibility of a country to monitor and control the actions of fishing vessels it has registered - and cooperation on the conservation of shared fish stocks. The Judicial Symposium is attended by judicial representatives from eight FFA Members; Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. 'The standard of due diligence has to be more severe for the riskier activities,' Judge Brown stated, referencing IUU fishing within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). 'The Tribunal addresses the sorts of measures that flag States would be expected to take, to fulfil its due diligence obligations with respect to IUU fishing in the EEZ,' she added. Judge Brown stressed that due diligence is not fixed, but shaped over time by scientific progress, emerging risks, and enforcement expectations. She made clear that legal liability for States may arise where there is a failure to meet these standards. 'A flag State… could be held liable only where there has been a failure to comply with its due diligence obligation.' She noted that sanctions for IUU fishing must be strong enough to remove the benefits of non-compliance and deter future violations. Drawing from ITLOS advisory opinions, Judge Brown also discussed: The legal obligations of flag States when their vessels violate coastal State laws; The duty of States to consult and cooperate on shared tuna stocks and migratory species; The extension of UNCLOS obligations to international organisations, parties to the agreement, that manage fisheries on behalf of their members; The recognition of climate change as marine pollution under UNCLOS, with implications for enforcement and responsibility. She also referenced the ITLOS Climate Advisory Opinion, which affirms that greenhouse gas emissions affecting the marine environment fall under the definition of pollution in UNCLOS. This, she said, reinforces the legal obligation of States to act based on the best available science and to take measures to prevent or mitigate environmental harm. 'States have the obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment,' she said, citing UNCLOS Article 192. Judge Brown's address carried particular weight given her distinguished background in international law and public service. A Jamaican national, she has served on the ITLOS bench since 2020. Her legal career spans roles as Deputy Solicitor General of Jamaica, Permanent Representative to the International Seabed Authority, and Chief Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister of Jamaica. She is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law and was inducted into the Hall of Eminent Caribbean International Jurists in 2019. In 2024, she received the International Justice Award in honour of Judge C.G. Weeramantry. The Judicial Symposium 2025 was co-hosted by the Solomon Islands Chief Justice Sir Albert R. Palmer and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). Over the three-day event, judicial leaders engaged in dialogue on international fisheries law, compliance challenges, and the critical role of legal interpretation in securing sustainable fisheries for the Pacific region. The Symposium ends today with final reflections from the judiciary, followed by a formal closing session led by the Chief Justice of Solomon Islands and the FFA Director-General.
