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Fish sustainability has been around for centuries

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By Loretta B Manele

Pacific Island countries have been managing fish stock for centuries.

James Marape, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister highlighted the above whilst speaking at the high-level session at the Honiara Summit- “Iumi tugeda delivering on SDG 14.4: Achieving Sustainable Fisheries” at the Friendship Hall yesterday.

In reference to Pacific Island countries, he said they have managed their fish stock for centuries.

“The ocean is our supermarket. The ocean is our garden. The ocean is our life. No one needs to lecture us on fish sustainability. It is our lifestyle.”

In relation, Marape voiced that lectures on fish sustainability should be taken to the big industry polluters or those whose countries are host of illegal fishing.

“Because they are the ones causing non-sustainability of ocean resources in our part of the world.”

Marape highlighted that the Pacific Ocean is the biggest on the face of planet earth and leaders of the Pacific acknowledge this is a global asset and global resource.

“That is why they carved out the blue Pacific continent.

The blue Pacific strategy to ensure we are compliant to SDG number 14.”

Marape mentioned that SDG 14.4 arrived later as Pacific people had practised sustainable fisheries for millennium of years.

“SDG 14 arrived in 2015. As we march to 2030, I wonder how many SDGs all nations on the face of planet, especially the big polluters.”

Marape stressed that the big polluters and big holders of carbon footprint are USA, China, Japan, India and Europe.

“All of your partners sitting here with us. You have caused sea level rise, not my Pacific and if there is any sense of morality left in you, take this message back to your countries.”

Marape said the ocean is a big asset of planet earth that is a carbon sink, a supermarket and a super highway for all the big countries’ ships and submarines and is in need of help.

“In the context of fisheries, please assist us. Assist us with technology to stop illegal fishing that is depleting our fish.”

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Tripartite MoU signed

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Marshall Islands, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) during the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) event on Monday.

The signing took place at the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) headquarters in Honiara as part of a pre-summit event leading up to this week’s Honiara Summit, which was officially opened yesterday.

FSM, the Marshall Islands, and Papua New Guinea are advancing elements of the ENBi framework through this MoU, aiming to accelerate the ENBi concept and invite others interested in collective efforts.

“Our goal is to enhance our participation and engagement in the development of the ENBi concept at a tripartite level and create opportunities for PFA members to benefit from the broader ENBi programme,” said Elina Akinaga of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Delivering her keynote remarks at the event on Monday, Akinaga emphasized that the sustainable development of the region’s fisheries remains a critical objective, ensuring that effective management aligns with broader development goals.

She noted that ENBi is founded on the principle that regional development opportunities must prioritize long-term sustainability.

“Active collaboration and engagement with the industry are vital to ensuring that our tuna products meet both regional and international standards while protecting them from the threats of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

“This includes pursuing sustainability certifications such as Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certifications for our tuna fisheries, establishing and enhancing our chain of custody programme, strengthening monitoring, control, and surveillance tools, and integrating emerging technologies in fisheries management, such as electronic reporting and electronic monitoring.”

Hon. Jelta Wong, Papua New Guinea’s Fisheries Minister, told the media during the signing that collaboration is a key pillar of the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi).

“This tripartite MoU keeps us united and ensures that we support one another for a sustainable future. We need to stand together, whether big or small.

“We have a motto: never leave anyone behind. I’m very pleased that both countries have joined us in this effort, working together to strengthen our economies.

“They have strengths that Papua New Guinea may lack, and in turn, we may be able to support them in areas where we have expertise,” said Wong.

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Asilaua calls for partnership in service delivery in Malaita

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Those who are working to deliver service in Malaita province as asked to cooperate by aligning their policies and programs with Malaita provincial government.

Premier Elijah Asilaua recently made the call following findings that some organizations are coming to the province and working alone, without consulting MPG.

Though, he doesn’t mention specific organization or NGOs, the premier emphasized the significance of cooperation to serve the people of Malaita province.

The premier also assured the commitment of his government to partner with whosoever to work toward achieving the development aspiration of the province.

“As a responsible government, we have policy in place that guide the delivery of services to people in the province.

“A people-centred policy aimed to bring meaningful change to people and province. And whosoever coming to the province must align their policies with us.

“Whether government ministries, NGOs, businesses, or whosoever, align your policies with us to avoid duplication of programs and ensure we work on the same note.

“We might have diverse plans and programs, but the people you serve are the same people MPG is serving.

“Therefore, we must partner on all program and activity implementing in the province,” he said.

Asilaua said the reason to which he emphasized this is to see tangible development in the province, and not business as usual, as commonly experienced” he said.

Moreover, the premier added the involvement of MPG in those undertakings will ensure transparency and integrity of the programs.

He stated MPG has mechanism in place such as; Ward Development Committees (WDC) that could engage with the programs.

Asilaua noted WDCs may help by recognizing real pressing issues that necessitate supports in the communities.

Adding that WDC could also support the implementation evening assessing the programs, activities and projects to ensure it achieve its ultimate goals.

“What my government hold dear is to strive and see tangible development that would have profound impact on the live of people in the province.    

“We don’t want to repeat what happen with Economic Stimulate Package in the province. We want development that truly reflect and value the development need of the people of Malaita,” he said.

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New initiative to improve WASH facilities in Honiara schools

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

A new initiative to enhance Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in selected schools around Honiara was launched yesterday.

The 18-month program titled “Urban Water Supply Sanitation Sector Program in Schools” will work closely with 11 schools and is expected to conclude in June 2026.

Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with an estimated budget of USD $400,000, the program is contracted through Solomon Water, with Plan International and Live and Learn acting as implementing partners. The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) is also a key partner.

Live and Learn’s WASH Coordinator, Fiona Laeta, shared with local media that the program will focus on both the software and hardware aspects of WASH.

 “..that means it will cover teacher and student’s training, and improving WASH facilities in schools to improve access for sanitation and access to clean safe water,” Laeta explained.

Laeta emphasized that the program aims to go beyond simply providing basic WASH facilities.

“In our communities, hygiene is not really prioritized but it is very important way of addressing a lot of the diseases in our country…and the simple way we can address the matter is improving hygiene,” she noted.

Among the schools benefiting from the program is Norman Palmer School, Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) Education Secretary Desmond Waita took the opportunity to express his gratitude for the initiative.

“This project is beneficial specifically for Norman Plamer School…..Honiara’s population is increasing and there is a lot of students trying to get enrolled,”

He described it as a “blessing” as it will provide the necessary access for WASH facilities.

Selected schools, education providers, and other stakeholders participated in an inception workshop at Jina’s Restaurant where they were formally briefed on their roles and the expected outcomes of the initiative.

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‘Importance of Honiara hosting the summit’: Lusi

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands generates an annual revenue of approximately $250 to $300 million from tuna, contributing significantly to the national economy.

Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) Deputy Secretary for Corporate Services, Mr. Patteson Lusi, emphasized this during a press conference held before the Honiara Summit last week.

“And it’s quite special in the context that such a summit is being hosted in the Pacific region,” said Mr. Lusi.

He highlighted that the summit’s outcomes will help shape the agenda of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which will be held in Nice, France.

“You can see the importance of us hosting this Honiara Summit. You might already be aware, but this summit underscores the vital role of fisheries in the Solomon Islands,” Lusi said.

France and Costa Rica are co-organizing the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice from June 9 to 13, 2025. The conference aims to promote urgent action to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

“So, you can see for yourself why the Honiara Summit is significant and why we are working closely with the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in organizing it,” he added.

“By contributing to the way forward and ensuring that the declarations from this summit are presented at the next UN Ocean Conference, we are staying on track. We would like to thank the government for supporting the organizing committee, alongside the FFA, SPC, FAO, and the UN Special Secretary for the Ocean, as well as all other stakeholders involved in this initiative,” Lusi concluded.

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PM opens Honiara summit 2025, urges foreign members to safeguard blue Pacific continent

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele officially opened the Honiara Summit 2025 at the Friendship Hall yesterday morning.

Delivering his keynote address, Manele welcomed heads of government, the Secretary-General and Special Envoy on the Ocean, the Director-General of the Forum Fisheries Agency, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ministers of Fisheries from across the Pacific, the Director-General of the United Nations International Food and Agriculture Organization, the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, distinguished delegates, international and regional heads of organizations, and other official stakeholders.

“It is a privilege to once again extend a warm welcome to each of you to the Solomon Islands and to this venue, the Friendship Hall, which fits well with the theme of the Summit. The theme of this Summit, as highlighted by the Minister of Fisheries and Ambassador Peter Thompson, is ‘Iumi Together: Delivering on SDG 14.4, Achieving Sustainable Fisheries,’” said Manele.

He emphasized that achieving sustainable fisheries is only possible if nations work together at the national, regional, and international levels.

He noted that Pacific nations have long recognized the importance of regional cooperation and have been striving toward sustainable fisheries for over half a century.

PM Manele stressed that regional cooperation is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks, particularly struggling and highly migratory fish stocks, while also enabling states to maximize benefits from their sustainable use.

He highlighted that with vast ocean areas, limited capacity, and growing competition for access to fish stocks, it is essential that Pacific nations work collectively to manage these resources effectively.

 “In this spirit, I urge all foreign members to continue our collective efforts to finalize all remaining maritime zones and reaffirm the commitment made by Pacific Island leaders in 2021. Our maritime zones, as defined under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, must remain intact, despite the impacts of climate change.

By working together in the Pacific Way, we strengthen our stewardship of the ocean, uphold our sovereign rights, and advance sustainable ocean management to safeguard our Blue Pacific Continent for future generations,” said Manele.

He further elaborated on SDG 14, which consists of 10 interconnected targets, with SDG 14.4 specifically addressing the sustainability of marine fishery resources and the achievement of sustainable fisheries.

 “SDG 14.4 calls for the effective regulation of fishing practices to end overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and destructive fishing methods.

The goal is to restore fish stocks to sustainable levels through science-based management plans that ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them,” said Manele.

He pointed out that the 10 SDG 14 targets are interconnected with SDG 14.4, which is especially crucial for the Pacific Islands region, where sustainable fisheries contribute significantly to national GDP.

 “The current assessment of the SDG 14.4.1 target—which measures the proportion of marine fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels—continues to show an overall worsening trend.

In 2021, only 62.3% of fish stocks were within biologically sustainable levels, compared to 90% in 1974.

However, positive trends exist for commercially significant fishery resources, particularly in the tuna fisheries, where 85% of commercial catch comes from sustainable stocks with healthy abundance levels, primarily managed through regional fisheries management organizations,” he said.

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Afio seawall and market projects to begin soon

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The implementation of two major infrastructure projects for Afio Substation in Small Malaita, located in the southern region, is set to commence soon.

The projects include the Afio seawall, valued at SBD 1.9 million, and the Afio market, which will cost SBD 1.5 million. These initiatives aim to protect the eroded Afio seafront and provide a more conducive and improved facility for vendors to conduct business.

Funding for the projects will be provided by the World Bank through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), which is coordinated by the national government under the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.

Deputy Provincial Secretary of Malaita Province, Mr. Peter Herehura, shared updates on the preparation for the projects’ implementation.

He stated that the Afio seawall and market projects are among several PCDF-funded projects scheduled for implementation in the province soon.

 “Recently, a team from the province visited Afio Substation to conduct a feasibility study on the projects.

“The team is currently working on information gathered from the study, and once the process is complete, the projects will be put out to tender,” Herehura said.

He further noted that the province expects to tender the two projects, along with other approved PCDF projects, before the end of the current financial year on March 31, 2025.

Additionally, during the visit, a significant milestone was achieved as landowners and key local stakeholders in Afio expressed their support for the projects.

A major breakthrough occurred last week when landowners and local groups, including the Ward Development Committee (WDC), signed consent forms for the development, according to Malaita Issue, in an extract from the Small Malaita Forum.

 “This will allow work to begin as soon as contractors and funding are confirmed, marking a crucial step toward starting construction without delays.

“With these projects, Afio is set to become a safer and more economically active hub for Small Malaita.

“The completion of these initiatives will benefit local businesses and communities while also improving the region’s infrastructure for future growth.”

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Court to sentence man for unlawful wounding of his wife

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By Rominah Faka

The court will deliver the sentence of a 36-year-old man who unlawfully wounded his wife by cutting her hair extensions, resulting in head injuries, on March 11, 2025.

Yesterday, the prosecution and defense counsel made their sentencing and mitigating submissions in court after the accused pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful wounding.

The prosecution relied on its submissions, emphasizing several aggravating factors, including the breach of trust since the accused was the husband of the complainant, the complainant’s vulnerability, the use of a weapon (a pocket knife), the influence of alcohol, and the fact that the offense was committed at night.

The prosecution submitted that this case warrants a custodial sentence due to the use of a weapon by the accused.

On the other hand, the defense counsel highlighted the circumstances leading to the incident and the mitigating factors, including the accused’s guilty plea, his cooperation with the police, his status as a first-time offender, the 18 days he spent in custody, his remorse for his actions, and his immediate apology to the complainant when she came to the police station.

The agreed facts state that the accused, 36, and the complainant, 30, are husband and wife.

On the night of December 31, 2024, the couple went to Cowboys Grill Club to celebrate the New Year’s Eve countdown.

At around 2 a.m., the accused and the complainant got separated inside the club. The accused then searched for her both inside the club and outside in the parking lot but could not find her.

When he went outside again, he saw his wife standing beside a blue Caldina driven by her ex-boyfriend.

The accused approached the complainant and asked why she was standing there. She explained that she had asked her ex-boyfriend to drop her off at home, but he could not do so because someone else was inside the car.

The couple then returned to Cowboys Grill before heading home at around 3 a.m.

Upon arriving home, the accused questioned the complainant about her whereabouts for the past two hours. When she failed to provide a satisfactory response, he became angry, grabbed her dress as she attempted to escape, and then pulled her hair extensions. Using a pocket knife, he cut her hair, resulting in an injury to her head.

Upon seeing blood from the complainant’s head, the accused immediately let go of her. The victim fled to the White River Police Station, where she received assistance and was taken to the National Referral Hospital for urgent medical treatment. She was admitted immediately due to the severity of her head injuries.

The Public Prosecution Office represented the Crown, while the Public Solicitor’s Office represented the defense.

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‘END OVERFISHING’

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SDG 14.4 requires urgent attention and action

By Loretta B Manele

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.4 is said to require urgent attention and collaborative action in order for it be achieved.

Nestor Giro, minister for the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) mentioned this during the opening ceremony of the Honiara Summit which officially commenced at the Friendship Hall yesterday.

Initially, he said the summit presents a unique opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue about the critical challenges we face in achieving sustainable fisheries management and the preservation of our marine ecosystems and resources.

Addressing Pacific Island countries and officials representing regional offices, Giro said the SDG 14.4 calls for them to end overfishing and to restore fish stocks to levels that produce maximum and sustainable yields.

He stressed that the significance of this goal cannot be overstated, especially for small island developing states like ours where the health of our marine resources is inextricably linked to our livelihoods, culture development and future.

“This therefore requires our urgent attention and collaborative action.”

He emphasized that together they can share knowledge, exchange experiences and develop innovative strategies and actionable solutions that will help us achieve this vital objective to benefit our nations and the global community.

Giro also voiced that they must be reminded of the vital role our ocean plays not only in our livelihoods but as well as in our cultures, ecosystems and communities.

He said the region’s rich marine biodiversity with its healthy tuna fish stock is a living testament to the importance of sustainable fisheries.

Giro further noted that their communities depend on these resources and it is their responsibility to ensure their health and vitality for future generations.

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A time for effective partnership

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate change, and overfishing are among the key topics at the forefront of this week’s Honiara Summit.

Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director General, Noan Pakop, shared this during a press conference held at the Friendship Hall last Thursday.

The Government of Solomon Islands, in partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), and with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the Special Oceans Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, and the Pacific Community (SPC), is hosting the Honiara Summit 2025—an international conference focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 14.4: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

Speaking about cross-cutting issues such as climate change, Mr. Pakop emphasized that this is a time when countries need effective partnerships, collaboration, and cooperation across all sectors to address climate change.

“It’s a cross-cutting issue that affects various sectors and has implications on many aspects, particularly livelihoods and food security. We need stronger cooperation and relationships in this area.”

He continued, “When it comes to offshore fisheries, like tuna, the migratory nature of the stock requires the region to manage it collectively.”

Pakop noted that Solomon Islands is part of the FFA and WCPFC arrangements, where all states come together as a region to ensure that fisheries management measures are implemented to protect the shared stock that impacts all nations.

“However, we face challenges. While we enjoy the healthy state of tuna stocks, we must remain vigilant against IUU, illegal fishing. As technology changes, so too do IUU activities. We must keep an eye on overfishing and pollution.”

He added, “These are challenges that we continue to monitor closely to ensure they are controlled and managed, with mitigation and adaptation measures in place. These are the issues we are prioritizing in our discussions at the Honiara Summit.”

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