Fiji steps up Tuna talks with Tuvalu and Kiribati

Fiji is advancing talks with Tuvalu and Kiribati to secure access to their rich tuna stocks, a move seen as vital for the country’s tuna processing industry and regional economic growth.  

Shifting tuna migration patterns, driven by climate change, have pushed key species such as Albacore, Yellowfin fish, and Bigeye further into neighbouring Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), making access a pressing national priority. 

While responding to Opposition Member of Parliament Semi Koroilavesau's question in Parliament last week, Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Alitia Bainivalu said negotiations with Tuvalu have been “highly constructive.”

She added, “These high-level talks are primarily aimed at negotiating access agreements to secure raw tuna materials, predominantly Albacore, which is the backbone of our domestic processing needs.” 

Fiji is working to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding with Tuvalu that would allow its vessels to fish in Tuvalu’s waters. 

“We have presented a case based on our strong bilateral relationship and the mutual economic benefit, as securing supply supports our processing hub for the region,” Ms Bainivalu told Parliament.  

Officials are still working on vessel day allocations and a preferential fee structure that recognizes Fiji’s role as a regional processing hub. 

Discussions with Kiribati, a major tuna resource owner and key member of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), have been more cautious.  

“We have engaged them in talks on a hub-and-spoke model, where a stable supply of fish to Fiji’s processing facilities offers mutual benefits in the form of employment and value addition for the region,” Ms Bainivalu said. 

Further talks with Kiribati are scheduled in Nadi later this month to finalise vessel allocations and fee structures.  

Mr Koroilavesau questioned Ms Bainivalu if Kiribati’s land in Natewa Bay could support a tuna factory.  

In response, Ms Bailivalu said: "Discussions have not involved their land at Natewa Bay, but it is something that we will consider when we meet in Nadi later this month.” 

The negotiations highlight Fiji’s efforts to secure a stable tuna supply, strengthen PAFCO, and reinforce its strategic role in Pacific fisheries, while fostering regional economic cooperation and sustainable management of vital tuna resources. 

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