Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency

FFA calls for action to address human elements of IUU Fishing

The action would also unveil the “persons of interest” behind IUU fishing.

FFA Director General, Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen made the call when speaking online to the recent Chatham House International Forum on IUU Fishing.

The Forum was hosted online in London from 18-22 May 2020 and was attended by global policymakers, researchers, industry representatives and civil society groups from across the world.

The keynote speech concentrated on the human elements of illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing, with a focus on observers, crew and “Persons of Interest”.

FFA celebrates 40 years

The guest of honour was the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogovare.

FFA was established in 1977 when Pacific Island Forum leaders decided to establish a South Pacific Forum  Fisheries Agency open to all Forum members and all countries in the region ‘who support the sovereign rights of the coastal states to conserve and manage living resources’, including highly migratory species.

Pacific Fishing Agency celebrates 40 years

The organisation was first housed in a two bedroom house in Lengakiki in 1979 to support the sovereign rights of coastal states to conserve and manage their 'living resources' including migratory species.

Director General of the FFA, Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen, said the group provides a forum for regional cooperation that ensures its 17 country members can leverage fisheries resources to maximize economic and social benefits for their communities.

Outgoing FFA deputy director general signs off

Wez Norris is vacating the role this month after 10 years at the agency.

He said while at times it had been a challenge to balance member priorities with regional ones, there had been increased cooperation among members to achieve collaborative goals.

"So that's of course number one is putting in place management measures and rules that will maintain these stocks at levels where we can continue to enjoy benefits for years to come," said Mr Norris.

There are more blue boats out there’: Solomons Fisheries Minister

Speaking at an event for World Tuna Day at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency in Honiara, John Maneniaru said he “hated blue boats” but there was only so much he could do.
 
He said all authorities needed to work together to stop them.
 
“As you are all aware, we are dealing with the Blue Boats, we have three, and there are more in the ocean, and in our area, I know,” Maneniaru said.
 

Obstacles to improved safety of vital tuna boat observers

Observers, many of whom come from Pacific countries, play a vital but dangerous role collecting data on catch sizes, species taken and other marine creatures that get caught accidentally.

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency recommended several measures for deliberation at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission this week.

However late yesterday afternoon FFA Deputy Director General Wez Norris described it has a “fairly frustrating process of negotiations so far.”

PNG-EU yellow card success a Pacific inspiration, says FFA

The EU market-- the world’s leading recipient of tuna, has stringent rules on processing ensuring safety for consumers, and sourcing rules to ensure fish were caught in compliance with fishing rules and reporting processes. The EU market is the largest recipient of PNG’s tuna, valued at around 140mUSD annually.

New fisheries roadmap to replace effort controls

Director General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, James Movick agrees the quota system will be a good basis to better manage the sustainable conservation of the region’s fisheries.