By DALCY LULUA
Acting Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Member for Lae Open, John Rosso, has emphasized that the 8th Pacific Tuna Forum (PTF) holds great significance in the context of tuna fisheries management, both regionally and globally.
The Forum theme is “Strengthening Tuna Sustainability and Industry Development in the ‘Blue Pacific Continent’ Through Increased Innovation, Partnership and Participation”.
Rosso underlined the significance of discussing the challenges and opportunities for sustainable tuna fisheries management and development within the region and globally.
He stated that despite ongoing challenges, including the persistent threat of climate change, he firmly believes that the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) have showcased remarkable proficiency in the management of our tuna resources.
“Brief History on Pacific Island Fisheries Historical records will show that even in our early years of independence, our leaders recognized the importance of this valuable and renewal resource and established the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency in 1979, to assist member countries manage, conserve, and use the highly migratory tuna resources in their Exclusive Economic Zones and beyond through enhancement of national and regional capacities,” Rosso said.
“As a region we also made substantial contribution in the negotiations and the eventual adoptions of the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention and the UN Fish Stocks Agreement.
This set the foundation for the establishment of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission in 2004 which provides for the sustainable management of the tuna stocks throughout the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and for compatible fisheries management measures to be adopted and implemented in the high sea pockets.”
Rosso applauded the region for the continuous strive to not sit on the laurels and enjoyed its past successes but to continue to invest in its people to be the best in their respective fields in the fisheries sector.
