By Loretta B Manele

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is committed to SDG14.4 and are working with its partners on this endeavour.

Dr Elizabeth McLeod, TNC global ocean director discussed the above at the Honiara Summit last month which catered to Pacific Island leaders, regional and international representatives for discussions around “Achieving Sustainable Fisheries.”

She said they have been leading and working in ocean conservation for over five decades, across a hundred countries through their programs and partner networks.

“We work to support the goals of the 30 percent protection of the ocean.

“Our fisheries work focuses on rebuilding wild fisheries, both ending IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing) and also ensuring sound management of our coastal fisheries and supporting sustainable growth in regenerative aquaculture.

“We’re building on all of the great work by many of you in this room and our partners across the region and globally to bring transparency, accountability and resilience to fisheries.”

Moreover, she spoke about two initiatives that TNC has been involved in.

McLeod said one of them is their recognition that one in five wild-caught marine fish are landed illegally.

She expressed that the majority of this activity is happening on legally licensed but unmonitored vessels so it is easy for illegally caught fish to enter into the supply chain without being detected.

McLeod pointed out that “electronic monitoring” is a proven solution and through the use of onboard cameras, GPS and sensors, electronic monitoring harnesses cutting-edge technology to support human observer programs.

She mentioned that this is not an intention to replace human observers, but to bring additional support and provide independent and verifiable data on fishing activity to improve transparency and ensure compliance with regulations.

“It allows fisheries managers to develop science-based policies. It allows retailers to trace seafood to legal sources.

It provides assurances for consumers so that they have confidence that the fish that they’re purchasing is caught sustainably, but ethically.”

She said TNC is driving global adoption of electronic monitoring by working with Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) to standardize electronic monitoring protocols whilst ensuring there is consistent and comparable data across vessels and jurisdictions.

The other initiative that TNC has been working on is the Tuna Transparency Pledge.

She explained that they launched the pledge last year and it brought together industry and governments to advance 100% on-water monitoring across all industrial tuna vessels within their supply chains by 2027.

“Since the launch of the pledge, we’ve secured major signatories like Walmart, Albertsons, Thai Union, the government of Belize, and FSM.”

She stated that TNC commits to supporting Pacific communities, countries, and organizations in achieving SDG 14.4.

“Our path forward is clear. Strong policies, strong enforcement and strong collaboration will absolutely define the future of our fisheries.

We at the Nature Conservancy are honoured to work in and alongside the Pacific to build a future where fisheries are not just surviving, but thriving for people, for economies and for our ocean.”

She said they are on the march to UNOC (UN Ocean Conference) where together, they will be reinforcing the importance of these robust partnerships, measurable and actionable commitments that strengthen fisheries management, help close data gaps and secure sustainability.

McLeod noted that the Pacific community has been absolutely leading the charge, creating a robust framework for ocean management.

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Auki police have arrested and charged seven males and three females during a police raid targeting gambling in public places including individuals who allow their premises to be used for illegal gambling activities.

Malaita Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent Tex Tafoa said the provincial government and communities around Auki have voiced concerns over the increasing presence of gambling, alcohol sales and illicit drug use in public spaces

Tafoa said these activities have caused significant harm to families and created public disturbances, leading to public health and safety concerns, a statement from police media yesterday said.

He confirmed that police raided a known hotspot and discovered individuals gambling inside a makeshift structure.

“Without hesitation, police arrested 10 people, aged between 21 and 31 years old for engaging in unlawful gambling,” Tafoa said.

He said the owner of the premises was also taken into custody for further questioning and legal proceedings.

Tafoa said gambling in public spaces is an offence under the Gaming and Lotteries Act of Solomon Islands, the statement adds.

He said police will not tolerate such illegal activities and will commit to maintaining law and order in Auki Town ensuring that public spaces are safe for all residents.

The suspects arrested will face charges under Section 4 of the Gaming and LotteriesAct for gambling in a public place. Additionally, the owner of the premises will be charged under Section 3(4)(a) for the organisation or management of unlawful gambling. Another charge under Section 3(4)(1) will also be laid for allowing the premises to be used for illegal gaming.

LEADER of Opposition Matthew Wale has called on the Minister of Mines & Energy to halt the proposed granting of a mining license to Far East Resources Company Ltd for nickel mining on San Jorge.

Wale made the call following serious concerns raised by tribal leaders and landowners, who reported that the company had failed to meet minimum operational standards and had blatantly disregarded labour laws during its prospecting activities, a statement from the Opposition Monday this week said.

“Far East Resources Company Limited reportedly failed to submit a satisfactory commercial discovery report or an EIA, resulting in no development consent being granted. These are serious breaches.

“No company should be granted a licence if it cannot even meet the bare minimum legal and international standards,” Wale said. 

The Opposition Leader said reports reaching his office are that the minerals board rejected both documents when considering the company’s application for a mining licence.

However, according to information received, the Minister ignored the minerals board decision, the statement said. 

“The Minister clearly has no power to overturn decisions made by the Board, and more so, when the failures are integral to the due diligence checks prescribed by law,” Wale adds.

The Leader of Opposition also expressed concern over reports that the company has been operating in breach of labour laws that protect and safeguard the health and safety of employees since it began its prospecting activities.

“The Opposition Office is also aware of reports alleging that the Far East Company Limited is engaging in overtly discriminatory practices against local workers in respect of food and safety equipment,” Wale said.  

Wale said that if these allegations are true, such breaches of domestic law further justify halting the proposed granting of a mining licence.

“The government must take note and clear these concerns. It cannot entertain such entities in our mining industry, which should prioritize sustainable development, environmental protection, and the rights of our people,” he said.

The Opposition Leader urged the Minister and his Ministry to prioritise the concerns raised by tribal leaders, landowners, and local communities on this matter, the statement said. 

Wale said it is imperative that any mining operation in our country adhere to international standards and best practices, and comply with domestic laws on environment, labour, and processes to safeguard the resource and the people. 

“Given the Minister’s consistent record in ignoring the Mines Board’s decision in the granting of licences, the Prime Minister needs to take disciplinary action.

“Non-renewable resources are at stake, and must not be allowed to be mismanaged in this reckless manner,” he said.