Honiara Summit opens with call for Pacific to strengthen its stewardship over ocean

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The Honiara Summit on the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.4 opened this morning with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele calling for the Pacific to work together to strengthen its stewardship over the ocean.

Speaking in Honiara this morning, Manele said with vast areas of ocean, within their respective jurisdictions, limited capacity and competition for access to fish, it is important that “we work collectively in the management of fish stocks.”

“In this spirit, I urge all for Forum members to continue our collective efforts to finalize all remaining maritime zones and claims and reaffirm the commitment of Pacific Islands leaders as expressed in 2021.”

He adds: “By working together in the Pacific way, we strengthen our stewardship of the ocean, uphold our sovereign rights, and advance sustainable ocean management on fisheries to safeguard our blue Pacific continent for our future generations.”

Manele points out that for half a century Pacific leaders have been workingtowards the goal of sustainable fisheries adding regional cooperation is essential to ensuring the long term sustainability of fish stocksops, including struggling and highly migratory fish stocks, and to ensure “we optimize, benefits arising from the sustainable use of these fish stocks.”

The SDG 14 is comprised of 10 interconnected targets, and STG 14.4 specifically addresses the sustainability of marine fishery resources, achieving sustainable fisheries as DG 14.4 calls for effective regulation of fishing practices to end over fishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and destructive fishing methods.

Manele said the goal aims to restore fish stocks to sustainable levels by applying science-based management plans that ensure the long-term health of “our marine eco-systems and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them.”

He underscores the importance of sustainable fisheries pointing out that DG 14.4 calls for effective regulation of fishing practices to end over fishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and destructive fishing methods.

Notable regional leaders including the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape is attending the Summit.