BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Failure to properly manage marine resources is simply not an option, stressed Ms. Moss-Christian, Executive Director of the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), during the Honiara Summit.
Ms. Christian stated that the cooperation among members of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), particularly through subgroupings such as the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) and the South Pacific Group (SPG), along with their collaboration with other WCPFC members, has been a key factor in maintaining healthy fish stock levels in the Pacific.
She emphasized that what makes WCPFC’s mission truly special is the vision of Pacific leaders that inspired its creation.
“These leaders foresaw a future where science and cooperation would safeguard not only fisheries but also the livelihoods and traditions of our people,” she said.
“Their forward-thinking spirit reminds us that sustainable management is as much about preserving culture as it is about managing resources,” Ms. Christian added.
She noted that WCPFC has built upon this vision of strong collaboration, benefiting from the contributions of non-SIDS members, including Japan, the U.S., and Korea, whose expertise and commitment have played a crucial role in achieving shared goals.
She also highlighted the pressing challenges posed by climate change and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, warning that if left unaddressed, these issues would put immense strain on fishery resources.
“The rapid advancement of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) is also reshaping the way we manage fisheries. This era of information will challenge our organization to be more transparent, more forthcoming with data, and ultimately, more effective,” she said.
“Looking ahead, our mission remains clear: protect our fisheries, support our communities, and honor the visionary legacy that gave birth to the WCPFC. This isn’t just about setting regulations—it’s about upholding a promise to the people who depend on these waters every day,” she concluded.
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