60 Per cent Of Pacific Tuna Stock Harvested From Pacific EEZ
The Western and Central Pacific accounts for more than half of the tuna stocks harvested in the world, however approximately 60 per cent of the stock is harvested from the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Pacific countries.
The Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya stated this while chairing the Special Forum World Trade Organisations Ministers meeting at the Hilton Fiji Resort and Spa in Nadi on Friday.
The World Trade Organisation director general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was also part of the ministerial sessions.
“Therefore, if we are to progress negotiations and conclude early, not after 21 years, we need the Forum WTO Members to maintain momentum and the solidarity as at MC12 (12th Ministerial Conference ),” Mr Koya said.
“The system must give small island developing states confidence that we can raise our concerns and will be heard. These are going to be the key issues that will feature in our Roundtable Discussions with the DG (World Trade Organisation director general).”
He said the MC12 in June directed member countries to continue negotiation on a comprehensive Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA).
“The current agreement focuses on two disciplines. These are subsidies to illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing and subsidies to overfished stocks. It does not limit subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing and does not provide special and differential treatment for developing countries,” he said.
“This means we have another shot to address the remaining disciplines and make recommendations to MC13. But before we get there, we have to consider two issues. One is the ratification of the partial agreement and bringing it into force. Second, to prepare for the second wave of negotiations to address overcapacity and overfishing.”
He said the second wave of negotiations on FSA was critical for the Pacific, because overcapacity and overfishing are the most important pillars.
“There are huge subsidies by distant water fishing nations to build fishing fleets and to support intensive fishing. We need discipline to curb these subsidies which incentivize overfishing, prevent the development of the Pacific fishing industry, and lower the price of Pacific fish in foreign markets,” he said.
“So our plan is for the long-term and we need multilateral rules to support regional fisheries management efforts and contribute to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which our leaders endorsed in July this year.”