Kiribati is promising to play a leading role in establishing sustainable coastal fisheries in the Pacific.
Kiribati President, Taneti Maamau Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koro Vaka'uta
Under the Commonwealth Blue Charter, countries are being rallied to share knowledge and best practice, and work together on sustainable fisheries.
Kiribati President Taneti Maamau told the recent UN climate change summit in Madrid, COP25, that coastal fisheries were vital because they supported tourism, food security, recreation and livelihoods.
Kiribati would aim to secure the sustainability of coastal fisheries in a collective effort with likeminded countries.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said time was running out to address the health and sustainable use of the oceans.
She said co-ordinated action was needed to tackle climate change and the threats facing the ocean.