In a landmark development for Pacific fisheries, officials have reached consensus on the long-standing issue of South Pacific albacore (SPA) tuna allocation within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Members south of the equator.
This breakthrough comes after nearly two decades of negotiations and represents a historic advancement in regional fisheries cooperation.
The agreed allocations will form the basis of a binding agreement under the FFA Allocation Framework for SPA, reinforcing the region’s commitment to sustainable, equitable and responsible tuna fisheries management.
The Ministers’ endorsement of the proposed allocation paves the way for a modernised zone-based approach to longline fisheries management.
“This outcome is a major step forward for the Pacific,” said Honourable Mona Ainu’u, Ministerial Chair of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC).
“South Pacific albacore is the backbone of our tuna longline fisheries and the economies of many of our coastal states. This agreement signals our unity and determination to protect our resources for future generations while also enabling fair economic returns today.”
The newly adopted framework will help advance the region’s position in broader negotiations at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), such as the adoption of a SPA Management Procedure and its implementation that recognises zone-based management and high seas management.
“This decision exemplifies Pacific solidarity,” said FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop. “It shows that our Members can come together to make bold science-based decisions grounded in fairness and anchored in the Pacific Way of cooperation.”
Although the SPA stock remains healthy, declining catch rates have affected the economic viability of the fishery especially for Pacific Islands' domestic fleets. This agreement ensures that management decisions consider both 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 integral to food security and economic resilience in many coastal communities.
As the region prepares to implement the agreement, Ministers reaffirmed the importance of continued strong collaboration with partners to secure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the Pacific’s tuna resources.
The FFA assists its 17 Members 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.
