𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁

The Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon Nestor Giro, has called on regional leaders to take urgent action in achieving sustainable fisheries management and preserving the marine ecosystem across the Pacific.

Minister Giro made this appeal during his welcome remarks at the official opening of the Honiara Summit, held at Friendship Hall under the theme: Umi Tugeda Delivering on SDG 14.4, Achieving Sustainable Fisheries.

Minister For Fisheries and Marine Resources Hon Nestor Giro delivering his official welcome remarks to leaders attending the Honiara Summit. Photo by Ivan Utahenua/Honiara Summit.

"The Honiara Summit requires our urgent attention and collaborative action. Together, we can share knowledge, exchange experiences, and develop innovative strategies and actionable solutions that will help us achieve this vital objective, benefiting our nations and the global community," Minister Giro said.

Delegates attending the Honiara Summit at Friendship Hall. Photo by Ivan Utahenua/Honiara Summit.

He said that the summit provides a unique opportunity for regional leaders to engage in discussions on sustainable fisheries management, marine ecosystem preservation, and the critical challenges Pacific Island nations face in these areas.

"As you know, SDG 14.4 calls for us to end overfishing and restore fish stocks to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield. The significance of this goal cannot be overstated, especially for Small Island Developing States like ours, where the health of our resources is inextricably linked to our livelihoods, culture, development, and future," he added.

Minister Giro highlighted that regional collaboration is crucial to ensuring the protection of the Pacific Ocean, which is vital not only for economic livelihoods but also for the region’s cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. 

He pointed out that the Pacific’s rich marine biodiversity, particularly its healthy tuna stocks, underscores the importance of sustainable fisheries management.

"Our communities depend on these resources, and it is our responsibility to ensure their health and vitality for future generations," Minister Giro said.

Traditional dancing group from Solomon Islands performing at the Official Opening of the Honiara Summit. Photo by Ivan Utahenua/Honiara Summit.

Solomon Islands' Prime Minister, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, echoed Minister Giro’s sentiments, stressing that regional cooperation is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks, particularly highly migratory species. 

He highlighted the importance of optimizing the benefits derived from the sustainable use of these resources.

“With vast ocean areas within our respective jurisdictions, limited capacity, and increasing competition for access to fish stocks, it is crucial that regional leaders work collectively to manage these resources effectively,” Prime Minister Manele said.

He urged all Pacific Islands Forum members to continue their collective efforts in finalizing all remaining maritime zones and claims. 

He reaffirmed the commitment of Pacific leaders, as expressed in 2021, to ensuring that maritime zones remain intact despite the impacts of climate change, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“By working together in the Pacific way, we strengthen our stewardship of the ocean, uphold our sovereign rights, and advance sustainable ocean management and fisheries to safeguard our Blue Pacific continent for future generations,” Prime Minister Manele said.

He further emphasized the significance of SDG 14.4, which calls for the effective regulation of fishing practices to eliminate overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and destructive fishing methods.

The Honiara Summit serves as a critical platform for regional leaders to reinforce their commitment to sustainable fisheries management, ensuring the longevity and prosperity of marine resources in the Pacific.