Solomon Islands PM Opens Honiara Summit on Sustainable Fisheries

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has officially opened the Honiara Summit, themed “Umi Tugeda: Delivering on SDG 14.4, Achieving Sustainable Fisheries.” 

The summit brings together Pacific leaders, fisheries ministers, international stakeholders, and regional organizations to strengthen cooperation on sustainable fisheries management.

In his opening remarks at Friendship Hall, Prime Minister Manele welcomed distinguished guests, including the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape, the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Hon. Felity Aoteo, and the Premier of Niue. 

Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele delivery keynote address to open the Honiara Summit on sustainable Fisheries. Photo by Ivan Utahenua/Honiara Summit.

He also acknowledged the presence of United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson, and regional fisheries leaders.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

Prime Minister Manele highlighted the critical role of regional cooperation in safeguarding marine resources, stressing that sustainable fisheries can only be achieved through collective efforts at the national, regional, and international levels. 

He emphasized that Pacific nations have worked together for over 50 years to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks, particularly in the face of increasing competition and climate change challenges.

Regional Leaders convened at the Honiara Summit with focus on SDG 14.4. Photo by Ivan Utahenua/Honiara Summit

“With vast areas of ocean under our jurisdictions and the ongoing pressures of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, it is essential that we work together,” said Manele. “Finalizing maritime zones and upholding the commitments made under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea will ensure our sovereignty remains intact despite climate change impacts.”

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗗𝗚 𝟭𝟰.𝟰

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.4 focuses on restoring and maintaining marine fish stocks at biologically sustainable levels. While progress has been made in managing commercial fisheries, global trends indicate a decline in overall sustainability. 

The Prime Minister cited assessments showing that in 2021, only 62.3% of marine fish stocks were within sustainable levels, compared to 90% in 1974.

However, he said that commercial fisheries in the Pacific, particularly tuna fisheries, have seen improvements due to robust regional management frameworks. 

“Eighty-five percent of commercial tuna catches come from sustainable stocks,” he said, urging continued efforts to apply science-based management strategies to all fisheries.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁

Prime Minister Manele outlined six key expectations for the summit. 

A concise progress report on SDG 14.4.1 regarding sustainable fish stocks, Renewed commitment to accelerating the delivery of SDG 14.4., Identification of gaps in knowledge, technology, and data, with solutions to bridge them, Recognition of the special requirements of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in fisheries treaties and agreements, Strategies to align SDG 14.4 with global agreements such as the UN Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty and WTO fisheries subsidies agreement, and Strengthened partnerships among stakeholders to achieve sustainable fisheries goals.

Delegates convened at the Honiara Summit to discuss the sustainable and management of fisheries, under the SDG 14.4. Photo by Ivan Utahenua/Honiara Summit.

PM Manele encouraged participants to engage in meaningful discussions and collaboration, saying, “The Solomon Islands government and its people welcome your presence and participation. Your contributions will shape the strategic direction of sustainable fisheries in our region.”

𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗨𝗡 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

The summit’s technical outcomes will be reviewed in the final session and taken forward to the Third UN Conference on Oceans in Nice, France, in June 2025. Additionally, Pacific heads of state and government representatives will agree on a declaration affirming key strategic priorities discussed during the summit.

With that, Prime Minister Manele officially declared the summit open, reaffirming the Solomon Islands’ commitment to fostering regional cooperation for the sustainable management of ocean resources.