Pacific countries to close gaps in coastal fisheries management

Pacific countries are working together to try and address the lack of surveillance and co-ordinated management of the region's coastal fisheries.

Over the years, coastal fisheries have not enjoyed the political attention or funding accorded to the massive offshore tuna fishery.

But the heads of fisheries from 27 countries who met last week in New Caledonia have renewed their commitment to correcting this imbalance.

The assistant chief executive of Samoa's fisheries ministry, Magele Etuati Ropeti, said while it was true tuna brings in the most government revenue, the value of coastal fisheries is immeasurable.

"You know our livelihood, our well-being is so dependent on these resources and even our own culture and traditions are based out of these resources and that is why we need to consider better management and better sustainable practices to ensure these future generations will actually have the same benefits as we do have now."