The announcement was made by the Prime Minister John Key saying that the Pacific’s fisheries are the cornerstone of the region’s economy. It’s in the best interests of all Pacific nations to pool our efforts. He told that the government has discussed the matter with Pacific Island leaders how New Zealand can help manage and develop this critical regional resource.
Key said that in addition to our current NZD 3.3 million (€1.8 million/$2.4 million) support to the Forum Fisheries Agency, New Zealand will contribute NZD 4.8 million to support the management and delivery of sub-regional and national observer programmes. He admit that these initiatives will enhance effective fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance efforts in the region, as well as creating up to an additional 250 skilled jobs.
According to Key New Zealand also contributes NZD 5 million (€2.8 million/$3.7 million) to the highly successful SPC Pacific Tuna Tagging Programme, to improve tuna stocks in the region. New Zealand supports a number of sub-regional fisheries initiatives, including an arrangement with fisheries administrations in several Polynesian countries, and closer co-operation on fisheries management and development with a new arrangement between New Zealand, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.
