Pacific Tuna Forum 2025: Building a Resilient, Innovative, Equitable and Sustainable Tuna Future

The 9th Pacific Tuna Forum (PTF 2025) is currently underway at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Denarau, Nadi, Fiji, under the transformative theme “Pacific Tuna 2050: Resilience, Innovation, Equity and Sustainable Trade for a Prosperous Future.”

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry of Fiji, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) of Papua New Guinea, and INFOFISH, in collaboration with key regional fisheries organisations and partners, PTF 2025 will once again bring together policymakers, regulatory authorities, industry leaders, development partners, academia, and community representatives from across the Pacific and beyond.

A Forum of Global Significance

The Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) region accounts for nearly 60% of the global tuna harvest, positioning the Blue Pacific Continent as the heart of the global tuna industry. The long-term sustainability of this shared resource is not only vital to the economic and social well-being of Pacific Island nations but also has far-reaching global implications — from food security and employment to climate resilience and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

PTF 2025 provides a critical platform to deliberate on strategies that ensure greater value retention, equitable benefit sharing, and sustainable growth in the region’s tuna sector. It will also examine how Pacific nations can continue to strengthen fisheries management, combat IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing, enhance traceability and transparency, and build more resilient blue economies.

Key Themes and Objectives

Under the 2025 theme, discussions will focus on:

• Resilience: Strengthening adaptive capacity of Pacific tuna fisheries to climate change and global market disruptions.
• Innovation: Promoting technology, research, and digital solutions to enhance efficiency, traceability, and sustainability.
• Equity: Ensuring inclusive participation and fair benefit-sharing among Pacific Island countries and communities.
• Sustainable Trade: Expanding value chains, market access, and investment opportunities while maintaining environmental integrity.

The forum will feature high-level keynote addresses, thematic sessions, and interactive dialogues covering:

• Sustainable tuna resources and supply chains
• Investment and equity through the Hubs & Spokes model
• Global and regional tuna trade and market dynamics
• Innovative tuna technologies and value creation
• Certification, standards, and social accountability in fisheries
• Future-proofing the Pacific tuna industry

Distinguished Participants and Programme Highlights

The Chairperson of the PTF 2025 is Dr Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Regional Campuses & Global Engagements at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji.

The opening ceremony will be officiated by the Chief Guest of Honor, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation followed by the special address and remarks by:

• Hon. Jelta Wong, MP, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Papua New Guinea
• Ms Gemma Meermans Matainaho, Acting Director, INFOFISH, Malaysia

The event will feature experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), Pacific Community (SPC), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Pew Charitable Trusts, the industry, and numerous regional and international institutions. The Pacific Island countries will also share their experiences in the sustainable management and development of the tuna industry, identify challenges and opportunities.

Driving Collective Action for a Sustainable Blue Pacific

As Pacific nations advance the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, PTF 2025 aims to strengthen collaboration across governments, industry, and communities — ensuring the Pacific’s tuna resources continue to support livelihoods, national development, and ecological balance for generations to come.

“The Pacific tuna industry is central to our shared prosperity and our global responsibility,” said Dr Tupou-Roosen, Chair of PTF 2025. “Through resilience, innovation, equity, and sustainable trade, we can secure a prosperous future for the Blue Pacific Continent and the world.

– INFOFISH Media Release

NADI, 14 OCTOBER 2025

Media Contacts: Emily V. Moli FFA Communications Manager e: [email protected] Ernest Ta'asi FFA Communications Officer e: ernest.ta’[email protected] Priscilla Ragu FFA Communications Officer e: [email protected]

About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) FFA assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int