The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) marked its 45th anniversary last Friday 9th August, celebrating decades of regional cooperation in sustainable tuna fisheries management across the Pacific.
The anniversary is celebrated under the theme “Our People, Our Fisheries, Our Future: Celebrating 45 Years of Cooperation.” FFA Director General Dr. Manu Tupou-Roosen highlighted the agency’s achievements, reflecting on the visionary decision of Pacific Forum leaders to establish the FFA.
“Today is a special day for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency,” Dr. Tupou-Roosen said. “On this day, 45 years ago, our founding instrument – the FFA Convention – entered into force, bringing to fruition the visionary decision of our Pacific Forum leaders to establish FFA.”
Reflecting on the agency’s progress, Dr. Tupou-Roosen emphasised the FFA’s success in maximising benefits from tuna fisheries for Pacific communities, surpassing the expectations set by its founders.
“We honour this commitment and are proud to look back on the growth of FFA, our collective achievements, and the incredible progress we have made together,” she added.
Established on August 9, 1979, the FFA has become the leading fisheries advisory body in the region for its 17 member nations, with a mission to strengthen national capacity and support regional collaboration.
