PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE USE
15 November 2012
Need For Sustainable Fisheries Operations In Pacific Highlighted
The Pacific Islands Tuna Industry Association (PITIA) began a two-day workshop for its members in Auckland today, to
discuss issues and concerns about the sustainability of fisheries operations in the region.
It comes a day after PITIA, together with the Pacific Cooperation Foundation, held a successful Investment Forum that
brought together its members with potential investors, in order the explore future partnership opportunities.
PITIA chair Charles Hufflett says the day highlighted the need for Pacific nations to work together for the benefit of
fisheries operations in the whole region, including New Zealand.
“The value of Pacific fisheries to national economies is huge, so PITIA therefore has a vested interest in making sure
that it remains viable and sustainable throughout the entire region through closer collaboration of relevant
stakeholders.”
Ensuring that industry in the Pacific maintains strong rights over its operations was one of the major themes to emerge
from the day’s discussions, Mr Hufflett added.
“Our members were keen to discuss the progress of the Economic Partnership Agreement that is currently being negotiated
with Europe, and highlighted the need to secure access to this market to ensure viability.”
“They also wanted to stress that these negotiations give due consideration to the complexities presented by the Sanitary
and Phyto-sanitary requirements being pursued and seek assistance where possible to breach gaps in this area.”
In addition to sustainability of industry, members also expressed concern about the sustainability of PITIA as an
organisation representing their interests.
“There is some anxiety about the financial security of the association,” Charles confirms. “Today we looked at various
funding models that combine internal industry support with external donor assistance and support from national
governments as well.”
“We will continue to look at options to ensure that PITIA remains able to continue its work supporting the interests of
tuna fisheries in the Pacific.”
PITIA works on behalf of members from the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall
Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
ENDS