Fisheries Ministers unanimously endorsed the agreement on proportional allocation of South Pacific Albacore (SPA) among FFA Members, during the 24th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial in Niue last week.
The FFA said that this breakthrough marked a major milestone in regional fisheries management after almost of 20 years of negotiations.
“This breakthrough comes after nearly two decades of negotiations and represents a historic advancement in regional fisheries cooperation.”
The endorsement of the proposed allocation paves way for a modernised, zone-based approach to longline fisheries management.
This framework will advance the region’s position in broader negotiations at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
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 necessary to food security and economic resilience in many coastal communities.
Key Endorsements
Ministers also endorsed the following initiatives during the meeting:
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.
This initiative strengthens the connection between the ocean, language, culture, and traditional ecological wisdom that is deeply rooted in Pacific communities and people.
Implementation of Climate Change Strategy - The progress on the implementation of the FFA Climate Change Strategy was welcomed by the Ministers. They directed the FFA Secretariat to continue supporting Members in implementing the Strategy.
They also reaffirmed support to the Government of Australia’s bid to host UNFCCC COP31 in partnership with the Pacific next year.
“This will elevate the call for more action to protect our oceans and tuna fisheries from the impacts of climate change.”
Ministers 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)
The progress on the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi), including enhanced resourcing and funding support was noted.
Ministers acknowledged 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.
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
The final report of the Independent Refresh and Performance Review of the Agency was welcomed by Ministers. They 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 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 commitment to supporting the FFA Secretariat and acknowledged the 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) also attended the meeting.
The next FFA meeting will be hosted by New Zealand in 2026.
