NFA Clarifies Position in Tuna Supply Issues

The NFA aims to clarify the facts behind its position and the division of responsibilities between fishing vessel companies, processing companies, and government regulatory bodies.

Contrary to claims of limited access to fish stocks causing the closures, the NFA asserts that the tuna stock status in the Papua New Guinea exclusive economic zone fishing grounds remains healthy. Currently, Papua New Guinea contributes 17% of the total tuna catch within the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) waters, amounting to approximately 453,057 metric tonnes of tuna. This represents SO% of PNC's average annual contribution to the total Pacific Island Countries' (RNA) catch of 906,114 metric tonnes. Continue reading here (Source: LOOP PNG).

The Impact of El Nino and La Nina in the Pacific

The Pacific is anything but peaceful: Cyclones, floodings, droughts, sea level changes, heat waves, driven by massive movements of air and water, extreme climate events, are typical of the region.

But as the earth warms, the frequency, intensity and consequences for ecosystems worsen.

Pacific Islands face unique challenges in adapting to the climate crisis. While they make a tiny contribution to the problem, these areas bear a disproportionate share of the burden. Climate modelling, forecasting and early warning systems can save lives and livelihoods and must be a top priority for building climate resilience and adaptation in the Pacific region. Continue reading here (Source: Cosmost).

Ecuador and the United States Form a Bilateral Defense Group

The Governments of Ecuador and the United States will develop a road map to address defense and security issues, through the signing of a “memorandum of understanding” between the two countries.

This announcement was the result of a meeting that lasted several hours between Ecuadorian authorities, led by President Guillermo Lasso, and US representatives.

The meeting was held on June 22 at the Carondelet Palace in Quito, and was attended by the Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Daniel Erickson. Continue reading here (Source: Ecuador Times).

US, Papua New Guinea Boost Defense Ties in the Wake of Solomon Islands Deal With China

With the Solomon Islands still imposing a “moratorium” on foreign naval vessels visiting the Pacific island state, the US has pivoted to setting up a new Defense Cooperation Agreement with neighboring Papua New Guinea, granting  the US “unimpeded access” to major air and naval bases around the island state.

The details of the agreement, first signed last month, were only made public a few days ago. Perhaps the biggest benefit of the deal in the long run for the United States is that it gives US forces access to the joint Australian-PNG facility on Manus Island, where the US built facilities during World War II. Australia is spending at least $175 million AUD to improve the port. Continue reading here (Source: Breaking Defense).

Ecuadorians Rescue 8 Danes on the High Seas Whose Ship Collided with Whales and Sharks

An Ecuadorian fishing boat rescued eight Danish citizens who had been aboard two small boats in the middle of the Pacific Ocean for two days.

Luigi Benincasa, executive director of the Ecuadorian Tuna Association, told Thursday Associated Press that the Danish sailing ship called “Lulu” collided with one or two whales on the high seas and was capsized, but that the foreigners managed to send a request for help via satellite phone

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He added that in response to a request for international assistance, the fishing boat “Lizy”, which was near the area, activated the search for which the helicopter on board was essential. Continue reading here (Source: euro ESEuro).

ISSF Updates "Snapshot of the Large-Scale Tropical Tuna Purse Seine Fishing Fleets"

The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) has updated its Snapshot of Large-Scale Tuna Purse Seine Fishing Fleets report for June 2023. The report shows that approximately 652 vessels defined as large-scale purse-seine (LSPS) vessels are fishing for tropical tuna species, up 2% from last year, with a combined fishing capacity of over 841,000 m3 (cubic meters), a 1% increase from last year.

Purse seine fishing vessels catch about 66% of the 5.1 million tonnes of tunas caught annually worldwide. ISSF analyzes and aggregates information from the five tuna regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) and other sources to create this annual report, which focuses on large-scale purse seiners (LSPS) that target tropical tuna species: skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye. Continue reading here (Source: International Seafood Sustainability Foundation).

Indonesia to Cut Tuna Harvest In Bid for More Sustainable Fishery

The Indonesian government says it will reduce its annual tuna catch, the world’s largest, by a tenth in an effort to sustain the future of the fisheries.

The Indonesian fisheries ministry earlier this month published its harvest strategy paper showing that it will progressively cut its tuna catch volume by 10% of the 2021 level over the course of three years. It cited depleting populations of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) as justification for the move.

The paper, which Mongabay has reviewed, says this strategy should “ideally” come into effect no later than 2026 as part of the implementation of the ministry’s quota-based and zone-based fisheries policy. A ministerial decree is also expected to be issued as the legal basis for the tuna harvest strategy, which provincial governments will then have to implement, according to officials. Continue reading here (Source: Mongabay).