PACIFIC ISLANDS, THURSDAY 4 AUGUST 2011: The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) today launched a unique film for management and crew onboard purse seine fishing vessels. Modeled on safety demonstration videos screened to aeroplane passengers, the new PNA video, teaches crew about the five key rules of the PNA and how to comply. It will be mandatory to view the film before setting out from port, as part of the new PNA Observer Programme.

Filmed aboard a purse seine fishing vessel in the Solomon Islands, the film features footage underwater and above water of purse seine fishing and FADS demonstrating the practicalities of complying with PNA rules and the important role of PNA observers as independent monitors of what happens at sea.

The film is also made available online for anyone seeking to learn more about the PNA and its key rules for conservation and fisheries management: www.youtube.com/pnatuna

PNA Director, Dr Transform Aqorau said: “PNA Observers are at the front line of our conservation and management, explaining the rules of PNA and monitoring how fishing crews comply. Without the dedication and hard work of our observers, we cannot achieve our goal of controlling the world’s largest sustainable tuna purse seine fishery. We hope this film assists PNA Observers in their work, and educates crew and the general public about the conservation and management measures of the PNA.”

The Pacific production features local faces and places, including the music of Tuvalu band Fagogo Malipolipo and footage of a locally crewed NFD Solomon Islands vessel, filmed by renowned underwater cameraman Wade Fairley and local senior cameraman Adilah Dolaiano.