Pacific Fisheries Leaders Move to Accelerate East New Britain Initiative

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat, the Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office (PNAO), and the Chair of the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) Working Group met on Monday for an inception meeting to advance regional collaboration to progress the East New Britain Initiative, a key platform for strengthening fisheries development and value-addition in the Pacific. 

The meeting was chaired by Papua New Guinea’s Managing Director of the National Fisheries Authority, Mr. Justin Ilakini, in his capacity as Chair of the ENBi Working Group. The discussion focused on strengthening coordination between the FFA Secretariat and PNAO, including outlining the complementary roles both Secretariats can undertake to help accelerate the implementation of ENBi.

The meeting follows the directive from Ministers at the 24th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting (FFCMIN24), who called for strengthened collaboration to advance the Initiative.

Opening the meeting, Mr. Ilakini underscored the importance of ensuring that the ENBi remains inclusive and regionally coordinated. He noted the need to engage additional partners beyond the fisheries sector, given that fisheries development depends on cooperation across multiple sectors.

FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop highlighted the importance of the meeting in helping clarify the Ministerial directive and reinforcing cooperation between the FFA Secretariat and the PNA Office. He acknowledged PNG’s leadership in chairing the ENBi Working Group and welcomed the participation of PNAO as a clear signal of the priority being placed on the Initiative.

Mr Pakop emphasised that the ultimate objective of the ENBi is to maximise the benefits of Pacific fisheries resources for Pacific peoples, particularly through increased in-region processing, investment, and value-addition.

The meeting concluded with a forward-looking commitment from both FFA and PNAO to review and update the existing Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) between the two Secretariats. The revision will incorporate coordination arrangements related to the East New Britain Initiative and strengthen collaboration moving forward.

BRISBANE, 17 MARCH 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