US-Pacific Islands Parties’ fisheries treaty extended

 REPRESENTATIVES from the US and the Pacific Islands parties have signed new deals to extend the multilateral fisheries treaty for 18 months. 

US Ambassador Walter North signed the deal on behalf of the US government last Thursday in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The signed arrangements strengthen the relationship between the United States and the Pacific Island states by continuing to afford fishing access for the US purse seine fleet, while also reinforcing the US’ commitment to supporting the Pacific partners through an economic assistance package that contributes to their development. 

The multilateral fisheries treaty, also known as the South Pacific tuna treaty, first entered into force in 1987 and has become a vital component of the political and economic relationship between the US and the Pacific Island Parties. 

The South Pacific tuna treaty will also help establish fisheries observer and data reporting requirements and monitoring, control and surveillance standards for the region’s fisheries.