PALIKIR, Pohnpei, August 5, 2024 – The FSM’s Second National Fisheries Summit commenced today, bringing together key stakeholders from across the nation and beyond. The event, held in Pohnpei, aims to address the critical issues facing the fisheries sector and to strategize on sustainable management and development of the FSM’s fisheries resources.
Following a welcoming address from Pohnpei State’s Administrator for Office of Fish and Agriculture (OFA) Mr. Jorg Anson, T.H. Vice President Aren B. Palik delivered the keynote address where he underscored the importance of the summit in fostering sustainable fisheries management. “Our gathering here signifies a collective commitment to the sustainable management and development of our nation’s most vital and renewable resource – our tuna,” he stated. Vice President Palik highlighted the crucial role of tuna fisheries in global food security and the FSM’s economy. “In 2021, the tuna fisheries contributed 16.6% of the FSM’s GDP, and in 2022, 19.17%,” he noted, emphasizing the sector’s significance in supporting livelihoods in the FSM.
Vice President Palik stressed the importance of strengthening international partnerships,such as with the European Union, and regional allies like Papua New Guinea and the Marshall Islands in order to access new markets and diversify revenues related to fisheries as exemplified in the FSM’s commitment to the East New Britain Initiative (ENBI) and the Pacific Island Tuna Program (PIT) which will expand the nation’s position in tuna fisheries development.
Vice President Palik also reiterated the FSM’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management. He emphasized the importance of protecting 30% of the ocean through the Blue Prosperity Micronesia program and the need to balance development with environmental sustainability. “Let us reaffirm our strong commitment and determination to protect these valuable, yet finite, resources for long-term prosperity and the generations to come. Because to us – when it comes to prosperity – we believe that both the economy and our environment can and should thrive together.” he stated
Vice President Palik called for the need to “streamline our foreign investment processes and create a conducive environment for our tuna industry to grow and flourish.”
“We must not remain idle and watch others pass us by. Instead, let us seize new opportunities through collective partnerships both within and outside of the FSM,” he urged.
The Summit will also seek endorsement at the technical level of the National Oceanic Fisheries Investment Policy, which is aimed at enhancing onshore job creation, expanding skill sets, and forging new partnerships. If endorsed, the Policy will then proceed to the upcoming State and National Leadership Conference (SNLC) later this month for formal adoption by the states’ and national leadership.
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