South Pacific Group (SPG) framework aims to sustainably use oceanic fishery resources through collective management and cooperation

Representatives from the six nations comprising the South Pacific Group (SPG) in Majuro. (L-R) Tonga’s CEO Fisheries, Dr. Tuikolongahau Halafihi, Fiji’s Minister of Fisheries Hon. Kalaveti Vodo Ravu, Niue’s Minister of Natural Resources Hon. Esa-Sharon Mona Ainuu, Samoa’s Associate Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Maiava Fuimaono Tito Asafo, Cook Islands Associate Minister Hon. Tingika Elikana and Vanuatu’s Acting Manager of Fisheries Policy and Management Mr. Ajay Arudere. 

Six Pacific Island states have developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work collectively to manage and maximise the benefits from a key fishery in the region. 

In signing the agreement, representatives from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu - collectively known as the South Pacific Group (SPG) - are agreeing to develop a framework that aims to sustainably use oceanic fishery resources through collective management and cooperation for the maximum benefit of their respective populations. SPG's immediate area of interest is the management of the southern longline fishery, with a particular focus on South Pacific albacore tuna. 

This fishery stretches across the exclusive economic zones of SPG members, who work with the broader Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) membership on proposals to improve the management of albacore within the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). 

 The MOU is supported by a South Pacific Group Strategy 2023-2028 seeking to ensure sustainability, improved economic and social benefits, and good governance in the South Pacific tuna fisheries. The SPG, along with Australia, have tabled a proposal for an interim target reference point (iTRP) for South Pacific albacore, which will be considered at this year's WCPFC meetings, noting the Commission is due to adopt a iTRP for south pacific albacore this year. 

In addition to the iTRP proposal, the SPG has also developed a flexible zone-based management agreement for the South Pacific albacore fishery that will bring additional benefits to participating countries when it is adopted and implemented. 

 The SPG is also working collaboratively to maximise benefits in purse-seine fisheries management, explore shared services in support of oceanic fisheries management, and to develop collective positions and strategies for advocating interests at regional meetings of the FFA, WCPFC, and other multilateral arrangements. The MOU was opened for signature by SPG member states on the sidelines of The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial meeting, which is taking place in Majuro this month from July 3-6, 2023. --SPG, MEDIA RELEASE

// ENDS

Solomon's PNA World Tuna Day Art, Talent quest winners congratulated

HONIARA, MFMR (23.05.22) THE four winners of the Parties to Nauru Agreement (PNA) World Tuna Day Art and Talent Quest for 2022 were congratulated by the Minister of Fisheries Hon Nestor Giro at his office on Friday 20th May 2022.

He described this year’s PNA Art and Talent Quest, as a special one for Solomon Islands, because out of the five (5) prizes that were up for grab, 4 were won by Solomon Islands Artists. The local artists who won entered in two categories namely music video and art are seasoned musician and Journalism lecturer at Solomon Islands National University, Jeremy Inifiri won the music video’s first prize while Elextor Jr was the runner up. The others, Casper Hairiu’s entry in the Art category won him second prize while Emmanuel Manau Wainini settled for the 3rd prize also in the art category. All entries featured the World Tuna Day 2022 theme “OUR TUNA, OUR HERITAGE.” Minister Giro said for Solomon Islands, the theme reflects well with our societies and communities. “Tuna has been part of our lives and history for many years. Your art work demonstrated our heritage and importance of tuna in our societies and our lives,” he added. World Tuna day is celebrated around the globe on 2nd May every year however, the Ministry of Fisheries and its stakeholders were unable to celebrate this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Minister said Tuna is important to the economy and livelihoods of Solomon Islanders therefore, his Ministry is working closely with its partners (both regionally and internationally) to ensure tuna stocks are sustainable and healthy at all times. The two winners in the art category formally handed over the winning art paintings to Minister Giro who received them on behalf of PNA. “As the Minister responsible for Fisheries, I have the honour to receive your art works on behalf of all the PNA countries. An elated Mr. Inifiri said he was delighted to have won the music video category and thanked all who contributed to make his entry successful. “I featured my children in the music video because our tuna fishery is important for their future as well” he said. Meanwhile, Hon Giro has encouraged the winners to continue to show their talent in future PNA World Tuna Day Art and Talent quest. “This is your opportunity to share and show your love for tuna and the importance of tuna to our country through your art work and music”, he said.