The Marshalls fisheries department director Glen Joseph said he is happy to see that the purse seine fishing industry has begun taking action to modify fishing gear to reduce by catch of bigeye tuna. Here, a purse seiner off loads its tuna catch in Majuro. Photo: RNZI / Giff Johnson
Pacific - fisheries
Pacific fisheries ministers have called for consideration and action on fisheries in COP meetings.
This comes as the world's biggest tuna stock faces potential depletion because of climate change.
Several Pacific ministers made the call to large carbon-emitting countries in a panel discussion organised by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) at Cop 28.
The discussion focused on the challenges and responsibilities faced by FFA's 17 member nations, who produce a third of the world's tuna.
Recent scientific advice showed with the current high emissions, a significant portion of tuna biomass will move from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean to the Eastern Pacific.
The session concluded with a call for continued collaboration to address the challenges posed by climate change and to safeguard the Pacific's invaluable tuna fisheries.
Tonga - climate
Tonga's Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni says the international Loss & Damage Fund from Cop28 can help with climate recoveries in Tonga, especially education.
He noted the inclusion of education and health on the COP28 agenda, saying they are two important sectors in Tonga that are heavily impacted by climate change.
On his return to Tonga, Hu'akavameiliku recalled the impact Cyclone Gita had on education in 2018, with school buildings severely damaged.
The Loss & Damage fund has had more than US$700 million pledged for it.
Hawaii - funding
US senator Brian Schatz is pushing for faster and more consistent relief funding for those impacted by the Maui wildfires.
The senator led a Capitol Hill hearing to highlight his new bill titled the 'Reforming Disaster Recovery Act'.
Hawaii News Now reports the legislation aims to strengthen the Department of Housing and Urban Development's disaster recovery program, and provide immediate help for those in need who are recovering from a natural disaster.
To date, Hawaii has received more than $412 million US dollars in federal funds for the response to the fires.
Northern Marianas - casino
The Northern Marianas Division of Tax and Revenue says a casino owes almost $8 million in unpaid taxes, but the casino is fighting back.
Back in August 2020, the division's collections manager filed a tax lien against Imperial Pacific International for allegedly failing to pay US$9.4m in Business Gross Revenue taxes for the tax period from 2017 to 2019.
Last Monday, Imperial Pacific filed its own federal suit against the Commonwealth Casino Commission, alleging breach of the Casino License Agreement.
According to the complaint, the CNMI and Imperial Pacific had an existing contractual relationship that provides the casino with certain contractual and property rights to operate a casino in the territory in exchange for substantial compensation to be paid to the CNMI.
Imperial Pacific made several demands including that there be a jury trial and declaration.
It also said it is exempt from, or not subject to, the regulatory fee, because of the terms of an earlier agreement with the CNMI government.
Fiji - Tabuya
Fiji's Minister for Women Linda Tabuya has created history in Fiji by becoming the first women in the counry to be elected President of a local rugby union.
Tabuya was elected as President of the Kadavu Rugby Union on Wednesday during its annual general meeting in Suva.
FBC Sports reported that Tabuya told the meeting she is committed to spearheading programs focused on empowering the youth of Kadavu, especially school rugby and women's rugby and ensuring that the governance structure is secure.
Kadavu Provincial Council chair and Tui Tawava, Malakai Masi, said Kadavu was proud to be the first province in Fiji to have a female as president of its rugby union.
Papua New Guinea - athlete
Papua New Guinea athlete Isila Apkuk says she looks forward to returning to the US to further her studies and better her times on the track.
Speaking to The National newspaper in Port Moresby, Apkuk said she wants to get faster in the sprint events after competing at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.
She raced in the 100 and 200 metres, claiming silver in the 100 metre final.
Apkuk, 25, won gold in the 4x100 metres and 4x400 metres with her PNG team mates.
Samoa - assistance
There is a possibility the Toa Samoa rugby league team could be given financial assistance to travel to London for a three-match series against England in 2024.
Total Rugby League reports that International Rugby League had encouraged Samoa Rugby League to reconsider their initial decision to turn down the offer of playing England next season.
Samoa had stated earlier that they were committed to the Pacific Cup competition.
Sydney Morning Herald journalist Christian Nicolussi said on X (formerly Twitter) Samoa will be given financial help to make the England test series possible.
Fiji - hockey
Fiji's hockey federation has turned to Go Fund Me to try and raise money for its men's and women's teams to play at the 2024 World Cup.
The page says contributions will go towards several areas including travel, accommodation, coaching and equipment.
FBC News reports the federation did not receive support from the Fiji Sports Commission.
The federation is also requesting corporate sponsorship.