Solomon Islands is taking a major step toward sustainable fisheries development with its proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project, aligning with the goals of the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi).
Speaking at a Sustainable Fisheries Development Initiatives side event during the Honiara Summit this week, Lisa Sugumanu, Assistant Secretary for Project Management at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), shared how this project could transform the country’s fisheries sector.
Making the Most of Solomon Islands’ Fisheries
Sugumanu stressed the need to fully use the country’s rich marine resources.
“Sustainable development is costly; however, maximizing our resources is a must, especially for a country like Solomon Islands, which has the third-largest population among Pacific Island Countries,” she said.
The fisheries sector is vital for the Solomon Islands’ economy, contributing 10% of government revenue and adding about USD$23 million to the national GDP each year.
However, only 30% of the country’s 100,000 metric tonnes (MT) annual catch is processed locally, while 70% is exported as whole fish to other countries for processing.
Located in West Kwaio, Malaita Province, the Bina Harbour Project, set to start operating by 2028, aims to process an additional 30,000 MT of tuna locally.
The project is expected to create 1,600 direct jobs and bring in USD$409 million in economic value over 15 years, averaging USD$27 million annually.
“This project will help Solomon Islands capture more economic value from our fisheries, boost local industries, and create jobs for our people,” Sugumanu explained.
Facing Challenges with Strong Partnerships
Sugumanu acknowledged the tough challenges facing the fisheries sector, including a lack of infrastructure, funding gaps, and limited market access.
On infrastructure, she said, “We need better land, ports, and water facilities to support fisheries.”
She said the funding needs are also significant, with the infrastructure and processing plant expected to cost around USD$232 million.
Market access is another hurdle.
“The Solomon Islands needs greater access to international markets to grow our fisheries sector,” she added.
Despite these obstacles, there has been solid progress.
“We have secured 170 hectares of land with the Bina Talifu Trust Board, completed water and harbour studies, and set up project teams with support from the Solomon Islands and New Zealand governments,” Sugumanu highlighted.
She emphasized that partnerships are key to the project’s success, with the East New Britain Initiative standing out as a great example of regional collaboration.
“We are working with our Pacific neighbours to ensure a stable supply of fish and closely engaging with the communities hosting the project,” she said.
Strengthening Regional Ties: Tripartite Signing Under ENBi
A major boost to the East New Britain Initiative came with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).
The agreement, which began in 2023, aims to strengthen regional cooperation and promote sustainable fisheries management.
PNG Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong praised the agreement, saying:
“This is what we call unity. Whether you’re big or small, we need to keep everybody together.
“I am very happy that both countries are coming together with us to help build their economies, and we work together.”
The initiative is seen as a key driver in achieving the Pacific Islands United goal, focusing on maximizing the socio-economic benefits from the region’s tuna resources.
Supporting Bina Harbour Through Hub and Spoke Model
The Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director General, Noan Pakop, highlighted the Hub and Spoke concept promoted under the ENBi.
He suggested that the Bina Harbour Project in the Solomon Islands could become a central hub for tuna processing, receiving supply from countries like Nauru, Kiribati, and Tuvalu.
“The tripartite agreement is an example of cooperating arrangements,” Pakop said.
“Bina Harbour, for example, can form a good basis to get supply of tuna from our neighbouring countries. It’s about complimenting each other,” he explained.
Tapping into the Vision of the East New Britain Initiative
The Bina Harbour Project also aligns with PNG Prime Minister James Marape’s vision for the East New Britain Initiative.
Marape stressed the need to stop the export of unregulated fish and focus on local processing and management.
“The East New Britain initiative is all about sustainable resource management. The export of unregulated fish out of our waters must stop,” he stated.
Marape called on Melanesian nations like the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji to support this approach:
“For Melanesian nations where we have sufficient land, let us rally.
“It is about time these four nations move towards stopping export of direct fish and processing in our own countries,” he said.
This regional approach aligns perfectly with the Bina Harbour Project’s goals, promoting job creation, economic growth, and stronger control over fisheries resources.
More Than Just Economic Gains
Sugumanu said the Bina Harbour Project is not just about making money but also about improving lives.
“Improving the lives of Solomon Islanders is a priority for any development,” she stated.
“This project aims to bring both economic and social benefits to our people.”
She also stressed the need to add more value to the country’s tuna resources, ensuring that future generations benefit as well.
“Tuna is one of our most valuable resources.
“While we enjoy its benefits now, we must ensure future generations can access these benefits too,” she said.
Sugumanu closed with a strong appeal for partnerships at all levels.
“Sustainable development cannot happen without partnerships with our stakeholders.
“We need partnerships nationally, regionally, and internationally to make the Bina Tuna Processing Plant Project a reality,” she added.