Tuna fishing operators have formed a new regional body to provide a stronger voice on tuna issues in the region. The move follows a meeting at the Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, this week between tuna operators from the private sector.

"If we are to secure the future of our tuna fisheries for the benefit of Pacific Islanders, we must take the initiative to represent ourselves," said the Chairman of the new association, James Movick, who is from the Federated States of Micronesia.

"Our focus will be to get the national and regional organisations to include the private sector fishing industry in any discussions on tuna policies and programmes. We will also encourage our own members to work more closely on the expressed needs of the commercial fishing sector.'

Mr Movick said the tuna fishing industry wanted to benefit from new management arrangements under the recently adopted Pacific Tuna Convention, including a fair share of the catch allocation.

"We realise the importance of working with governments and regional organisations to seek solutions to existing problems, and open up opportunities for the future. It is important that our voice is also heard on matters that will affect our livelihoods," he said.

The three-member steering committee for the association includes Mr Movick as Chairman and two tuna fishing industry representatives - Maurace Brownjohn from Papua New Guinea and Robert Stone from Fiji.

The committee will decide on a name for the organisation this month. It will be based in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, which is also the headquarters of the new regional Tuna Commission. - Forum Secretariat, Suva.