Fiji Statement led by Minister for Fisheries Hon. Semi Koroilavesau during the opening formalities of the WCPFC14 at the PICC in Manila, Phillippines on Dec 3, 2017.

 (Salutations)

 resources. This not only focus on tuna but the many species that are affected in the harvest of  tuna resources.

At the outset let us be reminded why we are here. We are here because we all agreed to  collaboratively work towards a common goal. The common goal in ensuring that through consensus,  we would agree to measures that will ensure the sustainable use of migratory tuna stocks and  other species within the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.

1. Madam Chair, first we would like to highlight the issue of “Observers.” During WCPFC 13  in Denarau (Fiji), the intense discussion surrounding observer safety proved how important the  issue of observers is to most if not all Commission members. 

While there are still ongoing discussions on the implementation component of the Observer CMM,  Fiji would like to remind members, non-members and participants on the important role  observer’s play. Observers form the basis of science. Science that allows us as Managers and Stewards to better  understand the status of resources before agreeing to appropriate measures. Additionally, for  many countries in the Pacific, a majority of workforce within Fisheries are made up of  Observers. These are just two of the many reasons why we, Small Island Developing States (SIDS)  are so passionate, and sometimes are filled with emotions when discussing observer issues. 

2. Madam Chair, secondly the issue of “disproportionate burden” for Small Island  Developing States is something that needs to be addressed. This however, cannot be addressed in  isolation. It is important that members first understand how disproportionate burden affects  each distinctive country. Different levels of development, diverse economic, social and  political situations all play a role. Only by understanding this, will we be able to agree on measures through consensus. 

 3. Additionally, Fiji would also like to stress the importance of “Catch Certification.”  It is one of the formidable tool every member must use in the fight to combat IUU.  While 

 having said that, a sector of Fiji’s domestic tuna long line fleet has benefited from such  initiative in the past five years.  Through catch certification, our domestic fleet have 

 accessed niche markets with their value added products at a premium value.  At the same time our stakeholders have continued to collectively engage with my Ministry to be 

 more accountable in the processes therein by ensuring that those who are certified are in full  compliance with the conditions of their certificate. 

 Madam Chair, since Fiji’s long line fishery is currently in assessment for a replacement  certificate to include albacore and yellowfin tuna within our EEZ and adjacent high seas, I am  pleased to confirm today that my Ministry will move a notch higher to work more collaboratively  with our private sector in order for them to continue benefiting from such certification.  At the same time, Fiji will be working with other Commissioners of this Commission to ensure  the successful implementation of the Harvest Strategy Work Plan that was adopted in Denarau  (Fiji) last year and the measures to be adopted thereafter, since the conditions of the new  certificate are based on this.

 4. Last but not the least, in past Commission meetings there has always been a lingering  issue on the need to “control efforts in the high seas.” Frankly speaking, this has not been  successfully addressed.  We do not need to dwell too much on this since it is well known that the continuous failure of  members to adopt relevant measures on sustainable harvesting of key tuna species due to the  decision making process of the Commission. 

 Such inaction of the Commission is negatively contributing to over-capacity in the high seas  resulting in low catches in zone. We do not want to see this to continue as our Fishery may all  collapse under the pressure that is being forcefully exerted upon us by the Distant Water  Fishing Nations. 

In conclusion, Madam Chair, these are just some of the many issues and agenda items that Fiji will be engaging  in during the course of this meeting. 

My delegation believes on the system and processes currently in place to allow us to  efficiently discuss matters. This might mean making hard decisions, foregoing certain benefits  and even going back to Capital support, but “hard decisions need to be made now.”

Madam Chair, Fiji supports your leadership, and we believe that at the end of WCPFC 14 the  results and outcomes would show prove of what can be achieved through collaboration and  consensus.

Thaak you and vinaka vakalevu.--ENDS