SI joins Niue and New Zealand to sign the MoU on fishing arrangements for 2024 under the Pacific-US Tuna Treaty, MoU aims to further strengthen the treaty partnership of more than 30 years
SOLOMON Islands on Thursday signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on fishing arrangements for 2024 under the Pacific-US Tuna Treaty which spans more than three decades.
The MoU for 2024 aims to further strengthen the cooperation and sustainable management of the Pacific’s tuna resources amid ongoing economic challenges and environmental concerns, including Climate Change and IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fishing.
The MoU signing marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between 10 Pacific Island States and the United States for sustainable fisheries management.
The signing ceremony yesterday was the continuation of the initial MoU ceremony that was held in Suva, Fiji, on 28 March this year between the US through its Embassy and 10 Pacific Nations. Solomon Islands, Niue and New Zealand along with four other states did not sign the MoU then.
Yesterday, Solomon Islands, Niue and New Zealand signed onto the MoU. Solomon Islands was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), Dr Christian Ramofafia, Niue by its Natural Resources Minister Mona Ainu’u and New Zealand by its Resident High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jonathan Schwass. The other four states will sign the MoU at a latter date to be confirmed by FFA.
The treaty allows for US purse seine vessels to fish in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of the parties to the agreement. It entered into force in 1998 and was extended in 1993 and 2002. In 2016, the parties to the treaty agreed to revise and update the framework which concluded in December 2023.
The review saw the modernization of the way US fishing vessels secure access to the productive fishing waters of the treaty nations. It defined the number of fishing days in waters of the parties to the treaty that are exclusively available to fishing vessels from the US. It also defined a mechanism for US vessels to arrange for additional fishing access directly with the countries involved.
The treaty is viewed as a model of international and fishery cooperation and has helped establish fisheries observer and data reporting requirements, as well as monitoring, control and surveillance standards for the region’s fisheries, all of which are vital to deterring illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Speaking at yesterday’s MoU signing ceremony in the presence of the US Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Solomon Islands, Russell Comeau and Fisheries officials from the FFA member states who are in Honiara for their meeting, FFA Director Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen said the occasion was significant in that it was telling of the value and strength of the partnership between Pacific Island states and the US.
“This treaty has been in place for over 30 years and it is so telling of caring and strong partner. I’m grateful the US representative is here to witness this occasion amongst us the Pacific Island partners and hear directly from us and see the strong commitment we have towards the multilateral treaty.
“This treaty provides a platform for enhanced collaboration with the US. It’s never about just about a multilateral fishing treaty but also about our people. So, we will use this avenue as a means to find further ways to collaborate with this darling partner.”
Dr Ramofafia, in turn acknowledged the US Government for listening to its tuna treaty partners and addressing issues of concern raised.
“So, we thank you for this great support. It’s a remarkable achievement for us all,” Dr Ramofafia added.
New Zealand High Commissioner, Mr Schwass said it was an honour to sign the MoU on behalf of his country.
“We look forward to continue working with all parties to the treaty to boost returns from tuna resources to all treaty member countries and we value the work that FFA has done towards ensuring the sustainable management of our fisheries for our prosperity,” he added.
Minister Ainu’u hailed the treaty as one that its signatories had come a long way in establishing and thanked the US for its collaboration with the treaty member states over the years.
She said the occasion yesterday was one of great significance to all the treaty members states and particularly Niue, adding that she was privileged to represent her country in signing the MoU.
“It was tremendous how far we come and as we all know Niue is very small in size but with a big ocean space and so we are very proud that the US can recognize us as a partner and as same people.
“The importance of having such strong partnership cannot be overemphasized. Thank you, US for continuing to support us in the fisheries space and also Tupou-Roosen for all that you and your staff have done for us to reach this far,” she added.
By DELI-SHARON OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
