Travel to New Zealand

Assistant Minister Chisholm will spend 3 days in Wellington attending the Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting (FFCMIN), discussing issues such as the sustainability of the tuna industry and longline fishing. More than half of the world’s tuna comes from the Western and Central Pacific and the industry is important for Australia’s economy and Pacific island countries.

Australia is a founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency which supports Pacific island countries to manage monitor and protect these valuable stocks and marine ecosystems. Australia contributes about $5 million a year core funding to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) along with $4.6 million per year in targeted support to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by improving the region’s ability to monitor their maritime zones.

This is backed up by targeted scientific and management assistance from the Australian Government. The FFCMIN is a senior governing body of FFA. Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Resources, Regional Development & Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Anthony Chisholm: “The sustainability of the Pacific region’s tuna stocks is a priority for Australia and underpins the sustainability of our domestic tuna and billfish fisheries.

“Australia’s partnerships with Pacific nations have contributed to significant recent progress in securing regional stability and protecting our exclusive economic zone. “In the Pacific region, tuna fisheries require careful consideration of social, economic and sustainability issues. Tuna fishing is a key industry for the region, making it crucial for local jobs, and government revenue.” We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia.

We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.