Honiara will be the centre of global discussions on sustainable fisheries as it co-hosts the Honiara Summit 2025 – a significant gathering aimed at addressing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.4 on fisheries sustainability.
This four-day summit, to be held in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), brings together world leaders, regional stakeholders, and international organizations to develop solutions for one of the world’s most critical marine resource challenges.
The Benefits of the Summit
The summit will discuss the growing urgency of sustainable fisheries management, with the Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific region playing a central role.
Collin Beck, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade (MFAET), highlighted the significance of this gathering during a press conference yesterday.
“Our region covers 20% of the world’s surface and is a key player in global fisheries management,” Beck said.
“We have success stories to share regarding sustainable fishing practices, supported by scientific research and regional cooperation,” he added.
With more than 50% of the world’s tuna being caught in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO), the summit provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, discuss challenges, and showcase best practices.
Key areas of focus include combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, strengthening policy frameworks, and advancing scientific research on fish stock sustainability.
For the Solomon Islands, where 98% of its territory is covered by ocean, fisheries are not just an economic pillar but a fundamental aspect of food security and cultural heritage.
The summit is looking to highlight the Solomon Islands’ commitment to responsible fisheries management, placing the country as a leader in regional cooperation for sustainable marine resource development.
The Regional Advantages and Global Partnerships
The event will also highlight the strength of partnerships that have been instrumental in shaping fisheries management in the Pacific.
Speaking at the Press Conference, Noan Pakop, Director General of the FFA, acknowledged these long-standing relationships.
“These efforts are not the result of overnight success but rather the culmination of years of strategic collaboration,” Pakop said.
“They align with our regional vision, particularly in fisheries, as outlined in the Blue Pacific Continent Strategy and the fisheries roadmap,” he added.
Pacific nations, through their collaborative management approaches, have maintained some of the healthiest tuna stocks globally. Unlike other regions facing significant depletion, the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) still boasts stable populations of key tuna species, thanks to cooperative management policies and strong regional frameworks.
“In comparison to other oceanic regions, the Western and Central Pacific Ocean boasts the healthiest stocks of the four major tuna species: skipjack, yellowfin, albacore, and bigeye. This is a direct outcome of the cooperative management efforts among FFA members and our partnerships with key regional agencies,” Pakop said.
Beyond the Pacific, the summit will draw participation from global organizations, including the United Nations (UN), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Union, the World Bank, and the British Leadership Council.
Their involvement shows the international recognition of the Pacific’s leadership in sustainable fisheries management and the importance of collaboration in addressing global marine challenges.
Where to After the Summit?
A key outcome of the summit will be a Political Declaration, which will outline concrete actions to restore and maintain fish stocks, enhance enforcement against illegal fishing, and strengthen international partnerships for sustainable fisheries.
This declaration will contribute to discussions at the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, from 9-13 June 2025. It will amplify the Pacific’s voice in shaping global marine policies.
Director General Pakop emphasized the long-term impact of this summit, particularly in expanding sustainable development initiatives beyond fisheries. He pointed to projects such as Bina Harbour in the Solomon Islands, which could serve as a model for regional economic hubs that benefit multiple Pacific nations.
“Sustainable tuna management is not just about conserving fish stocks—it is directly tied to food security, economic growth, and regional development,” he stated.
The summit is also looking to foster technological advancements in fisheries management, with discussions centered on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), satellite tracking, and data analytics to enhance monitoring and compliance efforts.
Pakop also stated that, as technology evolves, so do the risks posed by IUU activities, making regional cooperation even more essential in countering emerging threats.
A Call to Action: Securing the Future of Fisheries
For the Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific region, the Honiara Oceans Summit 2025 is not just a forum for dialogue—it is a call to action.
As Beck passionately noted: “We must act now—there is no Planet B. Together, we can implement solutions to protect our oceans and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
The challenge of sustainable fisheries is a global one, but the Pacific is demonstrating that through collaboration, scientific innovation, and firm political commitment, solutions are within reach.
When the summit commences on Monday 24th February 2025 , the world will be looking to Honiara’s leadership and the Pacific’s example as a roadmap for securing the health of oceans for future generations.
ENDS//
