New Zealand has reaffirmed its commitment to the Pacific by announcing further support for sustainable fisheries, strengthening regional cooperation in one of the world’s most valuable and strategically important marine environments.
The announcement comes as Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones hosted Pacific Fisheries Ministers in Wellington, where leaders discussed the future of fisheries management, food security, economic resilience and the long-term sustainability of shared ocean resources.
Fisheries remain the economic backbone of many Pacific nations, generating vital government revenue, employment and food security while supporting thousands of coastal communities across the region. For many island states, sustainable tuna fisheries are among their most valuable natural assets.
The latest support reinforces New Zealand’s long-standing partnerships with regional fisheries organisations and Pacific governments, helping strengthen scientific research, fisheries monitoring, compliance, workforce capability and efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
The Government says regional cooperation is becoming increasingly important as climate change alters the migration patterns of highly migratory tuna species, creating new challenges for Pacific countries whose economies depend heavily on fisheries revenue.
For Māori, the announcement also resonates with longstanding principles of kaitiakitanga and sustainable resource management. Many iwi and Māori fishing organisations have significant interests in New Zealand’s seafood industry and share strong cultural connections with Pacific communities through whakapapa, voyaging traditions and a shared relationship with the moana.
Support for Pacific fisheries extends beyond environmental protection. The initiatives are also designed to strengthen training opportunities, fisheries science, marine compliance, aquaculture development and workforce capability, creating employment pathways for young people throughout the Pacific and New Zealand’s coastal communities.
New Zealand has consistently supported key regional organisations, including the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, recognising that the health of Pacific fisheries depends on coordinated international management.
Officials say stronger regional partnerships will help improve scientific decision-making, enhance monitoring systems and ensure Pacific nations continue receiving fair economic returns from their fisheries while protecting fish stocks for future generations.
As pressure on global fisheries continues to grow, New Zealand says working alongside Pacific neighbours remains essential to protecting the region’s marine resources and supporting communities whose livelihoods depend on a healthy and sustainable ocean.
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