Chief Justice of the Solomon Islands and FFA Director-General co-host the first Pacific regional judicial symposium to promote responsibility in fisheries

by FFA Media | 7 August 2019 | Media releases

Market wharves of Honiara, Solomon Islands. Photo: Francisco Blaha

Honiara, Solomon Islands, Tuesday 6 August 2019 –the Honourable Chief Justice of the Solomon Islands Sir Albert Palmer and the Director-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), Dr Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen yesterday opened the first Pacific regional judicial symposium on the theme “Responsibility in Fisheries”.

The judicial symposium is attended by members of the judiciary from the Pacific Islands region, a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and international law experts, and will discuss in particular the responsibility of States, the responsibility of international organisations, and the responsibility of persons, in the governance of fisheries.

The Honourable Chief Justice said: “Globally, this area of international law is relatively new and gaining prominence and it is essential that members of the judiciary are appraised. This Symposium provides an opportunity for our region to be a pioneer in considering the attribution of responsibility in fisheries to States, international organisations, and persons.”

FFA Director-General said: “Fisheries plays a central role for Pacific Islands people – in our culture, food security and economic development. It is for these fundamental reasons that our FFA Members take their responsibility in fisheries very seriously and continue to set world-leading standards. This judicial symposium is significant – it is an expression of that commitment. It is also important that the symposium is held in the very week of our 40th anniversary. Our ongoing work honours the visionary decision of our Leaders to establish FFA.” 

It is anticipated that the discussions will be robust and delegates will gain an enhanced recognition and understanding of their role in attributing responsibility under international law vis-à-vis the responsibility of: States in their capacity as flag States, coastal States, port and market States; international organisations including regional fisheries management organisations and advisory agencies; and persons.  The judicial symposium will be held from 5 – 8 August 2019 at the FFA Conference Centre in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

##ENDS##

FFA Director General Malumatavai Toupo-Roosen – opening remarks

Solomon Island’s Honourable Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer – opening remarks

For more information and photos contact Donna Hoerder, FFA Media, ph: +677 21124

 donna.hoerder@ffa.int

About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA)FFA assists its 17-member countries to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make sovereign decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. www.ffa.int

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