$52m boost to protect Pacific oceans

The European Union will invest FJD $52 million to help Pacific Island countries protect their oceans, strengthen fisheries and support coastal communities.

The funding forms part of the second phase of the Pacific EU Marine Partnership (PEUMP), which will run until 2030. The programme was launched yesterday at the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Campus.

Regional organisations including the Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner and USP will work alongside governments, civil society and local communities to deliver the initiative.

Key priorities include improving ocean governance, ensuring sustainable fisheries management, expanding market access for Pacific fish products and strengthening action against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency Director Noan Pakop said Phase Two would turn the region’s vision for a strong and sustainable Pacific tuna industry into tangible outcomes.

He said the programme would strengthen value chains, invest in national industries and enhance monitoring and compliance systems.

“The partnership would help maximise sustainable economic returns while building climate resilience and ensuring ocean benefits are shared across Pacific communities now and in the future.”

SPC Deputy Director for the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme, Seci Waqabaca, highlighted the need to strengthen regional capacity to meet growing demands in ocean governance.

“Managing sustainable fisheries across the vast Pacific region remains challenging due to capacity gaps, changing science and climate pressures,” Mr Waqabaca said, adding that these challenges also create opportunities for the region to grow stronger.

USP will play a key role in advancing ocean education, research and training across its regional campuses.

USP Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu described the partnership as a strategic investment in the region’s sustainable future.

He said strengthening regional capacity in ocean science, climate adaptation and biodiversity, while improving fisheries readiness for global markets, would equip Pacific leaders and communities with the tools needed to prosper.

Mr Utoikamanu said combining indigenous knowledge with modern science was essential, noting that healthy oceans are central to biodiversity, climate resilience, livelihoods and food security across the Pacific.

The renewed partnership builds on earlier cooperation between the Pacific and Europe and supports the region’s long-term vision for sustainable ocean management.