Professor Transform Aqorau advocated that the Pacific Island nations are the custodians of their tuna-rich waters, the largest on the planet. The collective future of the world depends on whether people join them on this path. He is affiliated with the Solomon Islands National University and was speaking at the International Symposium on the Science of Pacific Tunas and Tuna Fisheries in Shanghai this week. He emphasized how international frameworks offer opportunities for sustainability, equity, and recognition of Pacific stewardship. However, they pose challenges if implementation is not aligned with regional priorities and the sovereign rights of coastal states. Aqorau highlighted that the power of cooperation requires a principled stance and unity, reported Pina.

The WTO agreement will aid nations in curbing harmful subsidies to foreign fleets fishing in their waters, and the BBNJ Treaty will extend their stewardship from national waters to the high seas. He warned that due to climate change, the tuna migration will shift, causing a 37 percent reduction in income for Pacific nations. The recent rulings by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and International Court of Justice linking climate change to marine pollution give these countries access to climate finance and a legal basis for tackling major emitters.

Philippines Century Pacific-owned brand 555 Tuna has begun a new digital campaign, ‘Rekta,’ which means ‘direct,’ emphasizing the quick, no-fuss meals that it offers in cans. The tagline used, “Wala ka nang iisipin, rekta na sa kanin!” translates to “Don’t think anymore, go straight to rice!” The 555 Tuna cans are available in six local flavors that cater to the Filipinos’ taste buds. The products are priced at PHP 27.70 (USD 32.25) for a 155 g can.

The new 42-second ad, created as part of the campaign, features popular Filipino reality show ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ contestants. The video shows the time and effort taken in traditional cooking, while it takes only a few seconds to mix 555 Tuna, available in different flavors, with rice to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. The video has become a hit on social media and garnered over 82,000 likes on Instagram alone, in just over a week. The campaign builds on 555 Tuna’s reputation for offering affordable, flavorful meal options and is available across digital platforms. The brand’s range of tuna products can be shopped at convenience stores and supermarkets nationwide, reported Filipino news sites.

Vietnam provincial government authorities recently inspected activities at the fishing ports of Tien Chau and Dan Phuoc in Phu Yen Province, both known for tuna fishing operations. The national government has been imposing strict restrictions on tuna fishermen to cut down IUU fishing ahead of the European Commission’s inspection scheduled for this month. In an attempt to get the EU yellow card withdrawn.

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, Nguyen Thien Van, made visits to both ports last week and stressed various factors to ensure compliance with EU standards. It included the need for better guidance for tuna and other seafood fishers to raise their awareness of compliance in fishing activities, installing onboard monitoring equipment, and ensuring they have a license to fish. The EU imposed a yellow card on the Asian nation’s tuna and other fisheries in 2017, mainly due to its inefficiency in combating IUU fishing.