A Papua New Guinean has been appointed as the new Director General for theHoniara-based Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).

He is Noan Pakop, who has a wealth of experience in fisheries management..

Pakop will replace current Director General Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen, from Tonga, who has led the FFA Secretariat since 2018.

He’ll assume his new role in November this year.

Congratulating her successor, Tupou-Roosen said:

“I am pleased to warmly congratulate and welcome Noan Pakop on his appointment as the incoming Director-General of the FFA Secretariat. 

“Pakop brings an incredible wealth of 30-plus years of experience in fisheries management.

“He is no stranger to the FFA Secretariat, having previously held the role of Director of Fisheries Operations. 

“I am fully confident that he will lead the FFA Secretariat with dedication, to grow our shared benefits from our valuable tuna resources for our people.”

Pakop currently serves as the Special Advisor for the National Fisheries Authority of Papua New Guinea.

Seventeen Pacific island countries, including Australia and New Zealand, are members of the FFA.

It’s a regional body established to assist its members sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). 

FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management.