(Picture caption: New Zealand has partnered with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency to increase the benefits from the Pacific's offshore fisheries.)
Increasing employment and economic benefits from the Pacific’s offshore fisheries is the focus of a new NZD$5 million partnership between Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
The partnership was announced at the 7th Our Ocean Conference in Palau, by Minister for Pacific Peoples and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Aupito William Sio and FFA Director General Dr Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen.
It is the third phase of a successful programme with the FFA that has delivered improved economic outcomes for the Pacific for sustainable use of the region’s tuna fisheries.
Minister Sio says the FFA is an indispensable part of the Pacific, building regional solidarity and supporting economic resilience through the sustainable management of the shared tuna fisheries.
“Aotearoa New Zealand is pleased to continue supporting this work and I am particularly happy this phase of the activity has a strong focus on increasing women’s participation in Pacific fisheries,” Minister Sio adds.
Grateful for New Zealand’s steadfast and longstanding support, Dr Tupou-Roosen says the partnership between Aotearoa and FFA has been critical in promoting beneficial investments in the Pacific tuna fishery to support jobs and livelihood, and to improve the working conditions for vessel crews.
“This four-year programme of funding will support our members to attract new investment and help SMEs to grow and diversify their markets.
“We also warmly welcome the new component supporting increased female participation in the sector.
“Aotearoa New Zealand’s assistance is vital to achieving these FFA priorities,” Dr Tupou-Roosen says.