A New Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen regional fisheries management with $60 million annual U.S. support.

Vanuatu, alongside eight other Pacific nations, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Suva, Fiji, to implement the 2024 amendments to the Multilateral Treaty on Fisheries with the United States. The agreement grants U.S. purse seine fishing vessels regulated access to the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of participating countries for the next five years.

Vanuatu’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Her Excellency Viranria Brown, signed the MOU on behalf of Vanuatu, while U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Her Excellency Marie Damour, signed for the United States.

Other signatory nations include the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tonga.

This milestone was reached during the 21st Annual Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. Forum Fisheries Committee Chair, Ms. Erana Aliklik, praised the collaboration, highlighting the Treaty’s role in enhancing Pacific-U.S. partnerships, combating illegal fishing, and supporting climate resilience initiatives.

With this signing, 11 of 17 parties have committed to the MOU, ensuring provisional application of the Treaty amendments. The amendments include an annual $60 million support package over the next decade. The remaining six parties are expected to sign before the end of 2024 to finalise the process.

Source: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency