Australia is working with its partners in the Pacific to protect valuable fishing stocks and ensure the sustainability of marine eco-systems.
Inshore fisheries, which provide a major source of food in the region, are under increasing threat from population growth and climate change.
The Pacific has the largest tuna stocks in the world, contributing almost half of the world's annual catch and providing major revenue and employment to the region. In some Pacific countries, fishery products make up more than 80 per cent of all exports.
But it is estimated that by 2030, 75 per cent of Pacific island coastal fisheries will no longer be able to meet the food security needs of local communities.
Action has been taken by the region's leaders to improve the sustainability of the fishing stock through the endorsement of the Pacific Oceanscape Framework [external link].
The framework aims to help Pacific island nations better govern marine resources and ensure food security for their people, particularly in the face of climate change.
Australia has committed $25 million towards the framework.
The funding builds on Australia's existing commitments to fisheries, maritime security and marine research and training, including through regional organisations.
It aims to help Pacific island countries and regional organisations to address the threat of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
It will help to define their maritime boundaries and provide relevant training and support marine spatial planning to help protect and promote the responsible use of marine resources.
The funding includes:
- $6 million provided through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to support community based efforts to manage fisheries and coastal resources
- $9.1 million to continue our support for the Forum Fisheries Agency to strengthen oceanic fisheries cooperation, development and surveillance
- $2.9 million to strengthen national fisheries policies and institutions, with an emphasis on integrated coastal and oceanic resource management
- $7 million to help Pacific Island countries secure and protect their marine resources in partnership with Australian government agencies.
Australia has world-class marine science and management expertise and the $25 million commitment to the Pacific Oceanscape Framework will enable a greater sharing of that knowledge with our region.