Fisheries Ministers Gather for Annual Meetings

The 23rd Annual Ministerial Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) and the 5th Annual Regional Fisheries Ministers Meeting commenced today at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Headquarters in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The event was officially opened by the Acting Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Hon. Bradley Tovosia, who delivered the keynote address to the attending FFC Ministers from FFA’s 17 Members, senior fisheries officials, and the FFA Secretariat.

The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from the FFC Ministers Vice Chair, Niue Fisheries Minister Hon. Mona Ainu’u, FFA Director General Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen, and Nauru Fisheries CEO Erana Aliklik, who attended on behalf of the Nauru Fisheries Minister. Nauru is the current host of the FFC meetings for 2024 – mid 2025.

The ceremony was a vibrant display of Pacific culture, with ministers being welcomed by bamboo panpipers, a choir, and traditional garlanding.

Acting Prime Minister Tovosia presented all visiting ministers with traditional neck ornaments, symbolising the unity and shared heritage of the Pacific nations.

Over the next two days, the ministers will engage in a series of meetings and discussions aimed at addressing key issues impacting the region’s fisheries. The agenda includes:

• Deliberations on the impact of climate change on oceanic fisheries
• The FFA Regional MCS Strategy (RMCSS) 2024-2029
• Development and implementation of sustainable management strategies
• Discussions on advancing social sustainability through the GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) Strategy and Labour Standards

The event will conclude with a Ministerial Retreat on 25 July, providing an opportunity for further in-depth discussions and strategic guidance.

HONIARA, 23 July 2024

Media Contact: Ernest Ta'asi FFA Communications Officer e: ernest.ta’[email protected]

About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) FFA assists its 17-member countries to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int