Tuna fisheries play vital role in Pacific economies: PM

VANUATU Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas says tuna and tuna fisheries continue to play an important role in the economies of members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency.
Papua New Guinea is part of the agency.
He made the remark in Port Vila on Monday when opening the ministerial FFA meeting.
“Revenue received from tuna fisheries contribute significantly to the national budget of our governments, provide employment opportunities and food security for our growing populations,” Tabimasmas said.
“If we are to continue to enjoy these benefits, and for our future generations to enjoy the same benefit, stronger commitment will be needed by leaders to improve our management responsibility, to ensure sustainability of this valuable renewable resource.”
He said the region was home to the world’s richest tuna resource.
“But we are not getting maximum return from our resource. We must continue to work hard and find innovative ways to ensure we derive maximum economic benefit in the long term in a manner that is economically sound and environmentally sustainable,” he said.
“This is because tuna is an important part of the marine environment. Your responsibility in managing fisheries resources and its developments in a vast Pacific ocean is a challenging one.
“I call upon you FFA ministers to maintain the spirit of regional solidarity through FFA.”