Advancing sustainable management of the region's valuable Tuna fisheries was the main topic of discussion for Pacific fisheries officials, at the 138th Annual Officials Meeting of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) in Alofi, Niue, which concluded yesterday, 19 February.
Over five days, fisheries officials addressed a wide range of strategic priorities, including development of regional policies, climate resilience and strengthening international engagement.
Officials also reviewed more than 50 discussion papers, setting the stage for the FFC Ministerial Meeting in July.
Part of these discussions included the ‘Oceans Literacy Initiative – Investing in Our People’. The initiative promotes a whole-of-Government and whole-of-CROP approach to strengthening ocean stewardship across the region.
The initiative of the Chair of the meeting and Niue Director of Fisheries, Poi Okesene, received major support from fisheries officials.
Officials also noted updates including 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.
The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Strategy, adopted by FFC Ministers in 2024, is now in its first year of implementation was also updated in the meeting.
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.
