FFA Participates in SPC’s 18th Heads of Fisheries Meeting
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable fisheries management following its participation in the 18th Meeting of Heads of Fisheries (HOF18) of the Pacific Community (SPC) Members, held in Noumea, New Caledonia from 20-24 April 2026.
FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop, together with the FFA delegation, joined fisheries and technical experts from across the Pacific to discuss shared priorities in both oceanic and coastal fisheries. Mr Pakop highlighted the meeting as an important opportunity to align regional fisheries priorities across these interconnected domains.
SPC Director-General, Dr Paula Vivili, together with Neville Smith, Director of SPC’s Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Division, welcomed FFA’s participation, noting its importance in strengthening collaboration in a sector that remains central to the livelihoods of Pacific people.
The HOF meeting provided an important platform for FFA to better understand Members’ perspectives on coastal fisheries and cross-cutting priorities, including the development of the next iteration of the joint Roadmap for Sustainable Pacific Fisheries. This work will be further considered by FFA Members at their Annual Officials Meeting in May to ensure offshore fisheries perspectives are well reflected.
FFA Director General at the 18th SPC’s HoFM. Photo: SPC
“These are critical sides of the same coin,” Mr Pakop said. “For our Members, having a full picture of their fisheries sector is pivotal to their informed decision-making”.
Cross-cutting issues, including climate change, were also discussed in depth, with recognition of the existing FFA Climate Change Strategy and Implementation Plan 2024-2029 as an important framework guiding regional responses on climate-related priorities for offshore fisheries.
On the margins of the meeting, FFA and SPC leadership held bilateral discussions, acknowledging the strong technical cooperation already in place and emphasising the need to further strengthen collaboration at the strategic level. This includes expanding peer-to-peer learning opportunities and enhancing engagement as members of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP).
While in Noumea, Mr Pakop also paid a courtesy visit to the Minister in charge of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Livestock Farming of the Government of New Caledonia, Honourable Adolphe Digoué. As an observer to FFA, New Caledonia remains a valued regional partner, particularly within the Western and Central Pacific (WCPFC) processes, including on shared priorities such as the management of the South Pacific albacore fishery.
New Caledonia’s Minister in charge of Fisheries, Agriculture and Livestock Farming, Honourable Adolphe Digoué with FFA Director General meeting at the 18th SPC’s HoFM. Photo: FFA
Further bilateral engagements were held with the delegation from French Polynesia, as well as with FFA Members, including Australia and New Zealand.
NOUMEA, 28 April 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 |
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