WCPFC Secretariat Staff Join FFA and its Members at Meetings in Honiara for the First Time in Years

April 13, 2023, Honiara, Solomon Islands -The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Secretariat recently had the opportunity to meet in-person with members of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) at the 8th Regional Information Management System Workshop and 26th Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Working Group meetings.  This was the first time in some years that these groups were able to hold in-person meetings.

WCPFC Ms. Eidre Sharp, Assistant Compliance Manager, Jeannie Hawley, the RFV Officer and Tim Jones, ICT Manager welcomed the chance to talk face to face with FFA and its members.  This provided valuable insight into the priorities, work programmes, and challenges faced by Pacific Island countries who are also members of WCPFC.  Additionally, the discussion gave them a better understanding of where it would be mutually beneficial to coordinate with FFA and members.

During the meetings, WCPFC staff shared information on new initiatives such as the recently released Record of Fishing Vessels (RFV).  Many members took the opportunity to learn more about how they could use the new RFV and other systems that support compliance case files and annual reporting.

The WCPFC staff appreciated the extra time in Honiara with FFA and Solomon Islands MCS staff to continue discussions on how they can work together to support MCS operations and increase awareness of how the Secretariat works and can support members in their awareness of our systems.

The meetings were also an opportunity to renew old relationships and create new ones.  WCPFC staff expressed gratitude to their generous hosts for their hospitality.

About WCPFC

The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is one of five global tuna regional fisheries management organizations, responsible for the conservation and sustainable use of highly migratory fish stocks, particularly tuna, in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Established in 2004, the WCPFC comprises 34 member countries and territories, and seven cooperating-non-members dedicated to promoting the sustainable management of the world’s largest tuna fishery. The WCPFC Secretariat is headquartered in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.

About FFA

The Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) is a regional organization established in 1979 to promote the sustainable management and development of fisheries resources in the South Pacific.  Comprising of 17 member nations, the FFA fosters cooperation and collaboration among its members in areas such as surveillance, compliance, and enforcement.  By providing technical advice, policy guidance, and capacity-building support, the FFA aims to protect the economic interests and food security of Pacific Island nations, while ensuring the long-term conservation and responsible exploitation of the region's rich marine resources.