Conference notes common enemy in region

Tuna is the largest commercial fishery in the Pacific, with an average annual catch of 350,000 metric tonnes per annum, which accounts for 12 per cent of tuna catches from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean from 2018 to 2022. However, it faces an increasing threat of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) in the region. Business editor PETER ESILA is in Bangkok, Thailand, covering the 18th Word Tune Conference and Exhibition.

By PETER ESILA in Bangkok, Thailand
PAPUA New Guinea and the Pacific have a common enemy, which is the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference and Exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand, was told.
Brazil’s Selecting Strategic Partners senior business director Dario Chemerinski warned the region to be careful when dealing with China.
“Chinese vessels as we see now has to be closely monitored. Chinese vessels have been extensively documented in IUU.”
He shared the experiences of Ecuador and Latin America when dealing with IUU, particularly involving Chinese vessels.
The Pacific region has 65 per cent of the world’s tuna in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Ecuador has 20 per cent.
“Should we be worried about China’s fleet? Yes of course. They have a huge fish fleet and distant water fishing with the Government providing US$7 billion (about K26.9 billion) Government subsides.

**Transhipment between Purse seine vessels at the Simpson’s Harbour in Rabaul, East New Britain. –Picture courtesy of National Fisheries Authority**

“There’s a 500 per cent growth since 2012. Chinese-flagged vessels far outstrip those of any other country.
“Nothing is compared to China’s fleet. 600-plus vessels out of 1,300 are licensed to operate in foreign countries.”
On top of that, China also has huge consumer market.
“It produces one third of all goods in the world.”
Ecuador has a US$1.2 billion (about K4.6 billion) turnover from fishing and processing. EEZs in the Pacific are worth US$2.5 billion (about K9.6 billion) which mainly come from licensing.
Meanwhile, conference chairperson Rhea Moss-Christian said governments, industries, institutions, and communities around the world planned to work together in addressing global challenges.
The tuna industry, as a significant economic sector, is a key partner and stakeholder in not only embracing initiatives and actions in addressing global challenges, but also as an active participant in advancing solutions via its ongoing emphasis on Blue Transformation, sustainable development and Innovation.
“With pressing global issues coming to the fore, issues such as alleviating poverty, food security, equity and inclusiveness, better health and education, human rights, labour protection, combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,

Northern Governor Gary Juffa (left), Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong, Kokopo MP Ereman ToBaining Jr with Komo Hulia MP Daniel Tindipu during the 18th INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference and Exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand, this week.

improving sustainability, advancing clean energy and addressing climate change, are global development and industry values that the tuna industry shares, embraces and continues to work towards addressing and mitigating as part of key industry commitments and responsibilities.
“Critical to these efforts are the tuna industry’s continuing efforts towards sustainability, better standards, monitoring and compliance, research and development, and embracing technology and innovation in contributing to a more sustainable industry, sustainable communities and a sustainable globe.”