Regional fisheries agency says US-Pacific Tuna Treaty vital, as it delivers US$50 million boost
The South Pacific Tuna Treaty, also known as the US Tuna Treaty, remains an important partnership for the region, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency says.
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) emphasizes the importance of the US-Pacific Tuna Treaty, which provides the region with a crucial US$50 million boost. FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop highlighted during a recent meeting in Honiara that the treaty enables Pacific Island members to receive vital financial support for their fishing activities.
The latest distribution of 2026 funds, amounting to US$50.42 million, highlights the treaty's value and the strong cooperation between the United States and Pacific Island countries. This distribution, the second of its kind under the Treaty, follows a US$60 million payment from the US government. Of this payment, US$49.5 million has been allocated for the current distribution, while the remaining US$10.5 million will be distributed in the first distribution of 2027.
The Treaty, in force since 1988, allows US purse seine fishing vessels to operate in the Exclusive Economic Zones of Pacific Island Parties and has recently been renegotiated for another decade, from 2023-2033, with new financial arrangements.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Pacific's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
