FFA Director-General highlights role of fisheries in sustainable ocean planning at Island States Ocean Summit

The Director-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), Noan David Pakop, participated in the Island States Ocean Summit (ISOS) in Tokyo, Japan from 3 – 4 June 2026, joining leaders, policymakers, scientists and development partners to discuss pathways for sustainable ocean planning and management.

Mr Pakop contributed to a panel discussion on Nature and Food Systems, where he highlighted the central role of fisheries in supporting food security, livelihoods, economic development and ecosystem health across Pacific Island countries. The centrality of fisheries and oceans to Pacific livelihoods and identity was also highlighted by Pacific Leaders during the summit’s  high level opening segment 

Drawing on the Pacific region’s experience in collective fisheries management, Mr Pakop noted that sustainable ocean planning and management can elevate efforts already in place at the sectoral and regional levels, pointing to nearly five decades of regional cooperation through the FFA and its Members in managing and stewarding one of the world’s largest ocean regions with sustainable and productive tuna fisheries. 

He emphasised that sustainable fisheries must be recognised as a core pillar of ocean planning, noting that fisheries are fundamental to Pacific economies, food systems and community wellbeing. He further highlighted the importance of integrated governance, stronger coordination across sectors, improved use of science and traditional knowledge, and sustained investment in implementation.

Mr Pakop also shared the Pacific’s tuna fisheries management model as a practical example of how ecosystem stewardship and economic development can be advanced together through science-based management, regional cooperation and effective compliance systems. He noted that initiatives such as the East New Britain Initiative further demonstrate the potential of integrated approaches that connect fisheries, investment, infrastructure, markets and sustainable development.

“The Pacific experience demonstrates that healthy oceans, sustainable fisheries, food security and economic prosperity are mutually reinforcing objectives. The success of sustainable ocean planning will ultimately be measured by whether it delivers real benefits for people while strengthening stewardship of the ocean for future generations,” Mr Pakop said.

The Island States Ocean Summit is co-hosted by The Nippon Foundation, the Government of Japan and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO and brought together leaders and stakeholders from island and coastal states to advance dialogue on sustainable ocean planning and management.

 HONIARA, 05 June 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