Pacific nations set benchmarks for sustainability

Pacific leaders tackle the overfishing crisis with new commitments at the Honiara Summit 2025.

With 37.7 per cent of global fish stocks overfished, leaders and experts are pushing for stricter regulations, stronger enforcement, and enhanced scientific monitoring to restore marine resources.

As they gather in the Solomon Islands, five Pacific leaders, 10 ministers, and over 300 delegates from 28 countries set new regional sustainability benchmarks.

Pacific leadership in global fisheries

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says regional collaboration is key to protecting fisheries.

He praises the region’s leadership for the vital role fisheries management and advisory organisations play in supporting Pacific Island states.

Noan Pakop, Director-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), agrees, saying that the Pacific’s proactive management systems serve as a model for global fisheries governance.

The FFA assists its 17-member countries, including New Zealand, Palau, and Tonga, in sustainably managing fishery resources within their 200-mile exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

“For our islands, we have no choice. For most of us, our fish is our future, and it is our livelihood,” Pakop says.

“But it is being impacted by forces, a lot of which is out of our control including the impacts of climate change.”

Noan Pakop has dedicated over 33 years of his career to this sector, from serving as an Assistant Fisheries Extension Officer with the then Department of Fisheries & Marine Resources in the late 1980s. Photo/FFA

The climate crisis and its impact on Pacific fisheries

At the summit, leaders confronted the threat of climate change to fisheries in the Pacific.

They call for targeted financing to help small island nations adapt to disruptions such as coral reef degradation and shifts in fish migration, which impact traditional fishing grounds and reduce fish stocks.

Delegates urge international donors and development partners to step up support for Pacific-led climate adaptation initiatives.

Cracking down on illegal fishing

Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing remains a top priority at the summit.

Leaders advocate for stronger enforcement, regional cooperation, and improved transparency across the seafood supply chain.

Watch highlights from the conference.

Blending traditional knowledge with modern science

The summit also recognises the integration of traditional Pacific knowledge with scientific advancements.

Pakop reflects on the exceptional navigational skills of Pacific ancestors, who, with their deep understanding of ocean patterns, sustain fisheries for generations.

“Our ancestors were extraordinary navigators, crossing vast oceans to reach different islands,” he says.

“Their skills, courage, and resilience are qualities we continue to value and draw aspirations from.”