PNA Officials Meeting concludes in Chuuk FSM, a final wrap up of the four-day meeting ended on 21 March 2024.

Chuuk, Micronesia – After extensive deliberations, the annual meeting of the officials from the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) concluded successfully, with landmark decisions aimed at enhancing economic benefits and sustainability of tuna fisheries across our members regions.

Officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensure preferential access for domestic fleets to PNA Economic Exclusion Zones (EEZ).   The FSM Arrangement will be reviewed to ensure that it is meeting this purpose as an important element of continued PNA efforts to maximize economic benefits derived from tuna resources.

Amid challenging global economic conditions, the PNA countries anticipate an uptick in economic performance for purse seine fleets throughout 2024. Projections based on variables such as fish price trends, fuel costs, exchange rates, and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) patterns signal a promising outlook surpassing benchmark averages observed over the preceding three years.

Officials agreed to review key elements of the purse seine Vessel Day Scheme to ensure it is up to date with recent developments in the purse seine fleets and the global tuna canning industry.

In parallel with these endeavours, the PNA Observer Agency (POA) reported achieving unprecedented operational progress in 2023. Smooth placement of observers on vessels were made in what has been the busiest period in the 10-year history of the POA.

Officials recognised that observers are vital to the PNA’s mission of responsible stewardship of tuna resources.  Following up on the increase in pay for POA observers being implemented in 2024, Officials agreed to increase pay for POA Debriefers and Placement Officers and strengthen implementation of the Observer Minimum Accommodation Standard.

The successful outcomes of the meeting confirm that the PNA remains united and steadfast in its mission to support each member nation's interests, while collectively steering towards a prosperous and sustainable tuna future.