The Australian Government has set aside an additional AUS$23.5m to support sustainable fisheries management the Pacific.
The country is providing the funding over four years to the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), bringing Australia’s total support for Pacific regional fisheries to AUS$40m.
“The Pacific Island region has an extremely valuable tuna resource and the funding supplied to the FFA will help the region continue to develop strong fisheries management strategies,” said Senator Richard Colbeck, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture.
Senator Colbeck says long-term sustainable fisheries management is vital as many Pacific Island countries depend on the fisheries industry for their economic viability.
“Strong fisheries management strategies are essential for economic growth and regional development,” he added. “It’s important to ensure these Pacific Island countries can maximise their returns from fish resources while safeguarding stocks for future food security.”
