The Honiara Summit 2025, which kicks off this week, is set to place Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing at the forefront of discussions, reinforcing regional commitment to sustainable fisheries and regional cooperation.
With fisheries playing a vital role in the Pacific’s economy, food security, and cultural heritage, leaders and stakeholders are coming together to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and policy frameworks towards sustainable fishing management.
A Regional Commitment to Combat IUU Fishing
The Solomon Islands, a key player in the Pacific’s fisheries sector, has been actively implementing robust Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) programs to combat IUU fishing.
Patterson Lusi, a Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), talks about how national enforcement efforts in combating IUU fishing aligns with regional strategies in a recent press conference in Honiara.
“As a ministry, we are strong partners within the FFA, and we take pride in the robust MCS programs currently being implemented across the region,” Lusi said.
“These programs are not only well-established at the regional level but are also effectively integrated into our national jurisdictions. This ensures that our fisheries management efforts are both comprehensive and impactful,” he added.
The Ministry’s Deputy Secretary Technical, James Teri, further highlighted the collective regional approach in tackling IUU fishing.
“Combating IUU fishing is a regional effort, and we are actively working with the FFA, the Pacific Community (SPC), and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) to address this challenge,” Teri said.
“Several initiatives are in place to strengthen monitoring and enforcement, including the deployment of fisheries observers on board vessels, vessel monitoring systems (VMS) at both regional and national levels, and port-state measures to regulate and inspect foreign fishing vessels,” he added.
“Addressing this issue will remain a key agenda item at the summit.”
FFA’s Role in Strengthening Fisheries Monitoring
For 45-years, the Honiara-based Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has played a crucial role in supporting its member countries through capacity building, surveillance operations, and real-time monitoring.
Noan Pakop, Director General of the FFA, highlighted the importance of regional partnerships in enforcing compliance and ensuring sustainable fisheries management.
“Many of the national programs implemented by our member countries are direct reflections of the regional initiatives coordinated by the FFA,” Pakop said.
“One of our key roles is to build capacity within our membership to effectively carry out these programs,” he added.
FFA’s regional surveillance program, supported by QUAD partners—France, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand—conducts four major operations annually in member waters.
At the FFA, the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) enables real-time tracking of fishing activities, allowing FFA to alert member states about potential illegal activities or non-compliance.
Pakop also stressed the significance of standardized regulations to prevent exploitation by Distant Water Fishing Nations (DWFNs).
“At the regional level, we have established Minimum Terms and Conditions (MTCs) that standardize fisheries management across all FFA members.
“These conditions ensure that distant water fishing nations operating in our waters cannot exploit differences between member states.
“The MTCs create a unified framework that promotes fairness and compliance.”
Enhancing Observer Programs and Strengthening Regulations
DG Pakop also stated that a critical component of fisheries monitoring in the Pacific is the Regional Observer Program, which mandates that all purse seine vessels must have an observer on board before departing to sea.
“Observers play a vital role in monitoring fishing activities, collecting key data such as species caught, fish size and weight, and fishing locations. They also help verify compliance with regulations.
“With multiple sources of information, FFA is in a strong position to analyze data and provide enforcement support to member countries, helping them prosecute violations through their national legal systems,” Pakop noted.
While significant progress has been made in reducing illegal fishing by unlicensed vessels, challenges remain in addressing underreporting and non-reporting of catches by licensed vessels.
Pakop acknowledged this issue and emphasized the importance of tightening regulations.
“Over time, our collective efforts have significantly reduced illegal fishing by unlicensed vessels.
“However, challenges remain, particularly in underreporting and non-reporting of catches by licensed vessels.
“To address this, we are working to tighten regulations within the licensing framework, ensuring greater accountability and transparency in fisheries management.”
