By DALCY LULUA
A press conference was held yesterday in Port Moresby to announce and provide key updates on the upcoming 9th Pacific Tuna Forum (PTF9), which will take place from 14 to 15 October 2025 at the Sofitel Hotel, Denarau Island, Nadi, Fiji.
Organized by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) of Papua New Guinea in partnership with the Fiji Ministry of Fisheries, the event is recognized as the premier tuna industry platform in the region.
It brings together policymakers, industry stakeholders, scientists, and NGOs to discuss sustainable development and management of the tuna fisheries sector.
With the theme “Pacific Tuna 2050: Resilience, Innovation, Equity, and Sustainable Trade for a Prosperous Future,” the forum will focus on regional priorities including value retention, trade development, sustainable supply chains, and climate resilience.
NFA representatives highlighted the importance of the forum, especially in light of challenges facing the global tuna market, as well as the Pacific’s role as the source of nearly 60% of the world’s tuna catch.
The Pacific is recognized as the “Blue Pacific Continent” and a critical player in global food security and ocean governance.
Over 200 delegates from across the Pacific and beyond are expected to attend the event. Regional organizations such as the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office (PNAO), and the Pacific Community (SPC) will also present key insights and updates.
The forum will also include discussions on eco-labelling, market access, illegal fishing, climate change impacts, and efforts to ensure equitable benefits from tuna resources for Pacific Island nations.