Pacific Fisheries Officials Conclude Strategic Regional Talks in Wellington

Sustainability, economic resilience and regional cooperation remain central to discussions

Senior fisheries officials from across the Pacific have concluded a week of strategic regional discussions in Wellington, with strong focus placed on sustainability, economic resilience and strengthening regional cooperation on key fisheries priorities.

The 142nd Annual Officials Meeting of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC), hosted by the Government of New Zealand, concluded on Friday 15 May after bringing together officials, technical experts and regional partners from across the Pacific region.

The meeting opened on Monday with a traditional Māori pōwhiri at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, reflecting the strong cultural ties and shared regional responsibility that continue to shape Pacific fisheries cooperation.

Throughout the week, Members discussed a broad range of regional priorities, including fisheries sustainability, economic development, market access, fisheries compliance and strengthening the long-term value Pacific countries derive from their ocean resources.

Discussions also focused on ensuring Pacific countries remain strategically positioned in an increasingly complex global fisheries environment while continuing to strengthen regional institutions and collaboration.

In her closing remarks, FFC Chair Heather Ward of New Zealand said the meeting reflected the strong commitment of Members to work collectively on the region’s key fisheries priorities.

“There was strong engagement from Members throughout the week, and a clear understanding that sustainable fisheries management and effective compliance systems remain central to the future of the region,” Ms Ward said.

She acknowledged the scale of work ahead as discussions progressed across several important regional priorities, including sustainable financing arrangements and future strategic planning for the organisation.

On regional tuna priorities, Ms Ward noted that discussions on South Pacific albacore and bigeye tuna had helped strengthen the region’s preparations ahead of upcoming meetings of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

She also welcomed progress under the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi), particularly efforts to strengthen implementation arrangements and improve market access opportunities for Pacific countries.

FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said the meeting reinforced the importance of regional unity at a time when Pacific fisheries continue to face growing pressures and challenges.

“We are all on the same boat. Together, we are turning our ship toward the direction we aspire to go,” Mr Pakop said.

He stressed that sustainability and economic development must continue to go hand in hand, noting that fisheries remain critical to the economic security and development aspirations of many Pacific Island countries.

Mr Pakop also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional institutions and internal capacity to ensure Pacific countries are better positioned to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities in the fisheries sector.

“Let us continue to look internally. Let us strengthen ourselves so that together, we can take on the world,” he said.

An official outcome statement from the meeting is expected to be finalised in the coming days.

The meeting also helped lay the groundwork for the upcoming FFC Ministerial Meeting, which will also be held in Wellington at the end of June.

WELLINGTON, 20 MAY 2026

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