Overview:
The Pacific Tuna Initiative has expanded to Palau, marking a new phase in regional efforts to strengthen sustainable tuna fisheries and equitable ocean governance across the Pacific. Led by Conservation International, the initiative brings together governments, industry and communities to improve fisheries management, support marine protection, and build long-term resilience for Pacific economies and ecosystems.
[Apia, Samoa – 25 May 2026] Conservation International today announced the expansion of its Pacific Tuna Initiative to Palau, marking the launch of its third phase to improve the sustainability and governance of South Pacific albacore tuna fisheries.
The initiative brings together governments, industry, and communities across the Pacific to strengthen fisheries management, align policy and market incentives, and support long-term ocean resilience.
This third phase builds on progress in Fiji, Samoa, and New Caledonia to include Palau, and focuses on scaling jurisdictional approaches to fisheries reform, advancing market and financial innovations, and strengthening regional cooperation to improve environmental and social outcomes across the tuna sector.
A regional meeting held in Apia, beginning today, convened representatives from Fiji, Palau, New Caledonia, and Samoa to discuss pathways to support more sustainable ocean production and improve fisheries governance across the region.
Leausalilo Leilani Duffy, Conservation International Samoa Technical Director, said: “Samoa is honoured to host this regional meeting of the Pacific Tuna Initiative, bringing together government, industry, and community partners from across the Pacific.
South Pacific albacore tuna is a vital shared resource that supports Pacific economies, food systems, and cultural identity. Through this initiative, we are working together to strengthen fisheries management, connect sustainable practices to markets, and improve outcomes for communities and marine ecosystems.
This is about Pacific leadership in building a fisheries system that is both sustainable and fair for current and future generations.”
Supported by a grant from the Walmart Foundation, the Pacific Tuna Initiative is focused on improved fisheries management, expanded marine protection, and strengthened collaboration between governments, industry, and civil society.
By linking national efforts with regional governance and global seafood markets, the initiative aims to support Pacific Island nations in advancing more sustainable and equitable tuna fisheries.
Key Priorities include:
- Market Transformation and Financial Innovation for South Pacific Albacore: Creating new market incentives and investment pathways that support sustainability and socially responsible tuna production.
- Regional Policy Alignment and Collective Action on Governance and Human Rights Reforms: Supporting adoption and implementation of regional standards on electronic monitoring, labour standards, and Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing countermeasures.
- Scaling Jurisdictional Initiatives: Expanding successful models from Fiji and Samoa into Palau, to support broader improvements across fisheries systems.
- Revitalization of coastal ecosystems: Integrating community-led coastal fisheries management to boost climate resilience, biodiversity protection, food security, and economic livelihoods.
- Improved ocean protection and regional collaboration: Supporting marine protected areas and advancing regional collaboration towards 30% protection and 100% sustainable management by 2030.
Duffy added “This strongly complements Samoa’s Marine Spatial Plan, which is grounded in Fa’asamoa, community leadership, traditional knowledge, and science.
Samoa is committed to protecting 30 percent of our ocean while sustainably managing 100 percent of our marine space for future generations. This initiative strengthens fisheries management, marine protection, food security, and climate resilience together — and reflects Pacific leadership in action.”
