POHNPEI, FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA, FEBRUARY 2008: A high level delegation from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) met with leaders from Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) last month to discuss how FFA’s assistance can help provide gain more economic benefits from fisheries.

The FFA Director General Su'a N.F. Tanielu, accompanied by the Director of Fisheries Development, Legal Counsel and Economic Adviser from FFA, met FSM President H.E. Manny Mori, Secretary of the FSM Department of Resources and Development Peter Christian and the National Oceanic Resources Management Authority Board.

These FSM Government leaders identified as a priority for their assistance from FFA the development of fisheries-related on-shore development to attain more income and jobs from fish caught in their waters.

The FSM Government and FFA agreed to continue the Off-shore Fisheries Development project which aims to provide technical expertise to increase direct foreign investment in fishing activities on FSM shores, and so boost local employment, government revenue and export earnings in FSM.

This high level delegation is one of a series of meetings between senior officials from FFA and member countries to discuss how FFA can provide advice and assistance to further national interests and priorities in managing and developing tuna fisheries. The high level talks are an important part of FFA's ongoing efforts to increase national capacity and strengthen regional solidarity so that member countries can manage their fisheries for the benefit of people today and for future generations.

FFA extended its thanks to the FSM Government for their input into shaping the priorities for its in-country assistance to FSM, one of the 17 members of FFA. This visit follows high level FFA delegation visits to Tuvalu, Tonga and Fiji in 2008.