Pacific Islands Forum fisheries ministers are meeting this week to tackle a broad range of issues around the protection and security of the region's valuable tuna resources.
Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades
The Forum Fisheries Agency meeting is in Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia.
The FFA director general, Manu Tupou-Roosen, said ministers recognise they must ensure the major offshore resource - tuna - is not only managed sustainably, but that there are increased social and economic benefits for Pacific people.
The ministers will look at the impact of climate change on tuna fisheries, finalise a new regional long-line strategy, address human rights abuses and labour conditions for crew on fishing vessels
There are also calls for them to consider the diminishing coastal fisheries, which are source of much of the food consumed by Pacific Islanders.
