𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐎𝐏𝐑𝐈 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐲𝐨

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝟗 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

On Monday, 6 October 2025, the Vice Chancellor of Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Professor Transform Aqorau, delivered a presentation at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) in Tokyo, Japan.

In his presentation titled “Cooperation and the Sustainable Development of Indo-Pacific Tuna Fisheries,” Professor Aqorau highlighted the Pacific Islands’ critical role as stewards of one of the world’s most valuable and biologically significant marine ecosystems. He emphasised that while the Pacific may be small in landmass, it is vast in its ocean responsibilities, covering nearly 20 percent of the Earth’s surface.

Drawing from his decades of experience in regional fisheries governance, Professor Aqorau underscored how Pacific nations have transformed tuna management through home-grown innovations such as the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) and the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS). These initiatives have empowered Pacific States to move from price-takers to price-makers, collectively increasing revenues fivefold within a decade while safeguarding the sustainability of tuna stocks.

The Vice Chancellor further outlined emerging Pacific-led innovations, including the Blue Pacific Fisheries Standard (MSC++), local processing projects such as Bina Harbour and East New Britain Initiative (ENBi), and the proposed PNA Tuna Cartel. He emphasised that these models demonstrate the region’s determination to secure sovereignty, equity, and innovation in its ocean economies.

In addressing global challenges, Professor Aqorau noted that climate change poses a direct threat to the economic future of Pacific States as warming seas drive tuna stocks eastward. He urged stronger regional cooperation, climate justice, and inclusive governance, calling on partners to support Pacific efforts in protecting both the marine environment and the livelihoods it sustains.

The presentation concluded with a powerful message of unity: “Our ocean defines who we are. Small islands can be great nations when we act together. Tuna must not only feed our economies—it must feed our vision for a sustainable and prosperous Blue Pacific.”

Professor Aqorau’s participation reaffirmed SINU’s growing role as a regional thought leader in ocean governance, sustainable development, and policy innovation, contributing Solomon Islands perspectives to global dialogues on the future of the Indo-Pacific.

ENDS//