FFA acknowledges Solomon Islands’ new fisheries office in Noro

Acknowledgement at the Opening of the Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Office, Noro – Western Province

FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop attended the official opening of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources’ new office in Noro, Western Province, on 10 November 2025, as a guest of the Solomon Islands Government. The new office represents a significant step by the Government to strengthen fisheries management and better support the country’s tuna industry at the provincial level.

The following is Mr Pakop’s acknowledgement to this milestone.

The establishment of the new Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources office in the Western Province, particularly in Noro, marks a very significant commitment by the Solomon Islands Government.

This milestone demonstrates the Government’s recognition of the fishing industry’s vital contribution to the country’s economic development. Noro Township itself thrives because of the operations of National Fisheries Development Ltd (NFD), a fishing company, and Soltuna, a tuna-processing facility. Both play complementary roles in sustaining fisheries operations in Noro. These industries have supported the livelihoods of many Solomon Islanders and continue to contribute strongly to the national economy.

It is appropriate that the Government be present where the industry operates and plays such an important role in economic growth. Extending the Ministry’s services to Noro reflects how significant this fisheries operating model and location have become, both to the Western Province and to the country as a whole.

At present, around 30 percent of total fish production from Solomon Islands waters goes into the Soltuna cannery. This represents a major contribution to employment, income, and national economic activity. The fishing and processing operations in Noro account for the country’s largest employment in the private sector.

For the industry to continue growing, Government support is essential. Establishing the Ministry’s office in Noro allows key services to be delivered directly to where they are needed. This is the most effective approach to supporting sustainable growth in the fisheries sector.

This initiative is also an example for other Pacific countries to consider, by bringing their fisheries authorities closer to where the industry operates. Proximity enables better facilitation of exports, imports, fish landings, and processing activities, while ensuring compliance with national and international standards, including those of the European Union and other key markets.

The growth of the fisheries sector also relies on whole-of-government support. Agencies such as the Ministry of Health, the Ports Authority, and the banking and finance sectors all play important roles in creating an environment where the industry can operate efficiently and expand further.

It is encouraging to see that alongside this new fisheries office, other Government departments, including Finance, the Data Centre, and Police, are also developing their presence in Noro. This collective effort brings services closer to the people and provides stronger, more coordinated support for industry.

During my visit to Noro, I also had the privilege of touring the operations of NFD and Soltuna. The visit highlighted the companies’ vision and immediate development plans to further invest and expand their operations. Such progress has the potential to elevate development in the Western Province and bring broad benefits to the Solomon Islands as a whole.

For the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), we are pleased to be part of this milestone achievement. We are witnessing how the capacity and support that FFA provides to Members at the regional level are now being applied effectively at the national and provincial levels.

Over the years, FFA has helped build capacity in key areas such as monitoring, control and surveillance, fisheries management, and licensing systems, as well as fisheries initiatives that promote the sustainable management and development of our tuna resources. It is encouraging to see this capacity now reaching the provinces and, importantly, extending to local communities.

It is rewarding to see the full system at work, from regional support to national coordination and now to provincial delivery, where it directly benefits both industry and communities. This is how fisheries management and development should function, with all levels connected and working in harmony.

The presence of the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Honourable Jeremiah Manele, the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Honourable Bradley Tovosia, and other national and provincial leaders at this opening sends a strong message to the people, particularly to the fisheries sector. It demonstrates that the Solomon Islands Government is prioritising fisheries development, and rightly so.

Fisheries remains a key driver of the Solomon Islands economy, not only nationally, but across the wider Pacific region, which contributes more than half of the global tuna supply. The Prime Minister’s presence at the event highlights the significance of the sector to national growth and regional cooperation.

Congratulations to the Government and people of Solomon Islands for this important milestone, which reflects continued leadership and commitment to the sustainable development of the nation’s fisheries sector.

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