PNA Ministers Implement New Tuna Conservation Measuresff

The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Ministers concluded today as leaders made key decisions to advance their sustainable management and development of its tuna.

The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) includes Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.

Collectively, the PNA controls 25-30% of the world’s supply of tuna and cooperate to sustainably manage and develop this key resource.

Opening the meeting Hon. Prime Minister of Tuvalu Willy Telavi, described the challenges facing the PNA. He said: “Around 35% of global skipjack supplies for canning come from PNA waters, and these shares are increasing. These figures are remarkable and one can only conclude the Pacific Islands are blessed. But while much is given from the PNA, we only receive 5% sales from our fish. This is sad and unacceptable. Our small size, compared to those we trade our marine resources with, can disadvantage us when we negotiate trade terms. Despite these hurdles and what the world may say about us, one thing is certain – we are one in will, aspirations, values, interest and spirit.”

Ministers put a high priority on the Tuvalu Prime Minister’s call to change the terms of trade, building on the strength of each PNA member, to create more jobs and economic profits at home.

Key decisions made at the PNA Annual Ministerial Meeting included:

INCREASE PNA SHARE OF ECONOMIC PROFITS, by getting more Pacific islander as crew on vessels, and by closer involvement of the PNA in the tuna trade onto the final consumers.

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT MEASURES, it was decided to extend the FAD closure period to 6 months, and also the restriction on mesh sizes was implemented. Initiatives were taken towards a longline VDS (Vessel Day Scheme).   

TAKING CONTROL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT to sustain the agreed objective of 100% observer coverage on purse seine fishing vessels, and the integrate all data in a an online fisheries information management system.

(More on these measures will be published in separate atuna.com article!)

PNA Director Dr Transform Aqorau said: “Ministers have been clear in their direction – that through our sustainable management of tuna, the PNA must take control of tuna fishing in our waters and increase our share of profits.

The decisions this week also help PNA ocean states to build on their strengths – such as creating the PNA Observer Programme with coordination hubs in FSM and PNG and PNA Crewing Agency in Kiribati. Here in Tuvalu, Ministers have exchanged experiences and built solidarity around a common vision of economically profitable and environmentally sustainable exploitation of our skipjack tuna.”