The EU Renews Major Ocean Partnership with the Pacific
Key areas of work include strengthening ocean governance, sustainably managing oceanic and coastal fisheries, enhancing value chains and market access for equitable benefits while combating Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing in the Pacific. The programme builds on the many successes of phase I and was co-designed to align with national and regional priorities on ocean governance, namely the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
EU Delegation to the Pacific 2026
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the EU Ambassador to the Pacific, H.E. Barbara Plinkert said:
“This agreement between our two regions – which collectively represents almost 40 countries is a powerful reflection of our shared, long-term commitment to the ocean – a clear sign that, despite our different geographies, we are united by a common purpose and a shared responsibility to protect and sustainably manage our oceans”
SPC, FFA and USP will coordinate their efforts and work in partnership with the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC), national governments, civil society, and local communities to deliver on the programme’s objectives.
Reflecting on the significance of this renewed investment, the FFA Director General, Noan David Pakop said, “Phase 2 turns our vision of a sustainably managed and economically strong Pacific tuna fishery into tangible outcomes for our members - strengthening value chains, investing in national industries and advancing innovative monitoring and compliance”.
He added that, “This strategic partnership will help maximise sustainable returns while building climate resilience, ensuring the benefits of our ocean are shared across Pacific communities now and for generations to come.”
SPC Deputy Director for the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme, Seci Waqabaca highlighted the importance of strengthening regional capacity to meet the evolving demands of ocean governance: “Building sustainable fisheries and ocean governance across our vast region is not without its challenges. Capacity gaps, evolving science, climate pressures, and governance complexities are our reefs. Yet it is precisely at these points of testing that we grow stronger.”
With its 12 campuses in the region, USP is a key partner to advance ocean learning and capacity building through education, research and training.
USP’s Pro- Chancellor, Right Honourable Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu said:"Through the Centre for Sustainable Futures, USP warmly welcomes PEUMP 2 as a strategic investment in our region’s sustainable future. By strengthening regional capacity in ocean science, climate adaptation and biodiversity, and improving laboratory and market-readiness for our fisheries, we will equip Pacific leaders and communities with the tools they need to prosper.
The Pro-Chancellor emphasized “Crucially, our approach will weave indigenous knowledge and wisdom with modern science — recognising that healthy oceans are not only central to biodiversity and climate resilience, but are the bedrock of livelihoods, identity and food security across the region.”
This regional programme forms part of the EU’s broader engagement in the Pacific and aligns with international commitments under the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and global ocean and biodiversity frameworks.
EU Delegation to the Pacific 2026
(ENDS)