Pacific Fishing Agency celebrates 40 years

by Radio New Zealand | 12 August 2019 | News

Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen Photo: Lisa Williams/PMN

Republished from Radio New Zealand, 12 August 2019

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) celebrated 40 years of operation with a dinner hosted by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister in Honiara.

The organisation was first housed in a two bedroom house in Lengakiki in 1979 to support the sovereign rights of coastal states to conserve and manage their ‘living resources’ including migratory species.

Director General of the FFA, Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen, said the group provides a forum for regional cooperation that ensures its 17 country members can leverage fisheries resources to maximize economic and social benefits for their communities.

Reflecting on the 40 years of the organisation, Dr Tupou-Roosen said the FFA is about making a positive difference in the lives of Pacific people, and she thanked past and current staff who served the region.