Previous Story
Australia increases support for Pacific fisheries
|
Posted on Jul 04 2011
Australia has boosted its support for Pacific fisheries organizations to help ensure food security and economic opportunity throughout the region.
Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Richard Marles said Friday that sustainably managing and developing fisheries resources would be a key challenge for Pacific Island countries over the next decade. The fishing industry accounts for around 19,000 jobs across the region.
Australia is providing $14.8 million over four years to two regional fisheries organizations: the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
“These organizations play an important role in the region, given the size of the Pacific’s marine resources and increasing global interest in Pacific fisheries. Fisheries resources constitute a critical segment of many Pacific Island economies, contributing around $230 million to the region’s GDP,” said Marles.
Marles announced the funding following a visit to the Honiara-based FFA, including a tour of the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, with Parliamentary Secretary for Defense Senator David Feeney. The Centre uses satellite tracking of vessels and other data to assist countries in the region detect illegal fishing activities.
“With this announcement, Australia has nearly doubled its annual contribution to the FFA. This support will help update FFA members’ national fisheries laws, co-fund a regional observer scheme and increase training for Pacific fisheries officers.”
Australia’s increased support to the SPC will support fisheries exports and enhance sustainable management by improving scientific advice.
The funding forms part of Australia’s $464 million Food Security through Rural Development Initiative to boost agricultural productivity, help rural people increase their incomes and improve long-term food security and nutrition.[I] (PR)[/I]
