Suva, Fiji – National and regional representatives from 12 Pacific Island countries, the European Union (EU), and other development partners came together in Suva for the EU–Pacific Ocean Dialogue, spearheaded under the Pacific–European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme. The gathering served as both a celebration of PEUMP’s seven years of achievements and a forward-looking platform for sharing ideas and aligning on shared goals toward the future of sustainable ocean governance.

Key regional partners including PEUMP partners SPC, FFA, USP, OPOC, IUCN, PIFS, the EU and country representatives and SPREP exchanged on fisheries, market access, marine conservation, community engagement, and ocean research and science for decision-making.

EU Ambassador to the Pacific, H.E. Barbara Plinkert, opened the dialogue alongside Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr. Filimon Manoni and SPC Deputy Director-General Dr. Paula Vivili.

Ambassador Plinkert highlighted the importance of collective action at all levels—international, national, and community—to build a “healthy, resilient, and thriving ocean,” and announced the EU’s intention to launch Phase II of PEUMP in 2026 to build on lessons learned, deepen cooperation, and drive sustainable ocean governance.

“While there are still many challenges to address — together the EU, representing 27 member countries, and the large ocean states of the Pacific can make a real impact,” Ambassador Plinkert said.

“Through the collaboration with the EU, the Pacific is able to progress some of the important work that we want to do on our oceans […] in particular on the implementation of our North Star: the 2050 Strategy,” said Dr. Filimon Manoni.

“The EU had the vision to bring all the partners together with support from Sweden. It wasn’t easy, and going forward it still won’t be, but really it is the only way for us to succeed in this work,” said Dr. Paula Vivili.

Key Highlights from the Dialogue

The Ocean Dialogue was structured around three main thematic sessions:

1. Sustainable Fisheries and Market Access

•            FFA reported progress in establishing Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) and   sanitary competent authorities in several countries, ensuring fisheries value chains remain transparent and compliant with EU requirements.

•            PIFS outlined the benefits of the EU’s “global sourcing” derogation under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement, with Fiji joining PNG and Solomon Islands in accessing this trade advantage.

•            The EU also announced plans for the upcoming Pacific Trade and Sustainable Development (PAC-TSD) Programme (2026) and released two FFA guides to help Pacific exporters meet EU market standards.

2. Integrated Ecosystem and Community-Based Management

•            SPREP shared results from the By-catch and Integrated Ecosystem Management (BIEM) Initiative, including critical turtle conservation studies and new Integrated Ecosystem Management Plans in Fiji’s Navua catchment and Beqa Lagoon.

•            IUCN highlighted the importance of partnership for developing marine spatial plans in Solomon Islands and Fiji.

•            SPC showcased the progress made on scaling-up of Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM), with outreach campaigns in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga.

3. Ocean Research and Science for Decision-Making

•            USP highlighted the outcomes of the first Ocean Learning Conference and the discovery of a new blue-spotted maskray species endemic to Fiji—a result of PEUMP-funded research.

•            SPC demonstrated the Ikasavea app, an innovative tool for fisheries data collection and monitoring.

•            The Cook Islands shared lessons from developing their Marae Moana national ocean policy.

• OPOC updated progress on the ratification of the BBNJ High Seas Treaty, with only 10 more ratifications needed for it to enter into force. The will support these efforts through a dedicated Technical Facility under their Global Ocean Programme;

Continuing the Momentum

The Dialogue was organised back-to-back with the final PEUMP Steering Committee to review the achievements of the final 2 years of implementation (Years 6 and 7). This is an opportunity for representatives from Pacific Island countries and partners to get an update on the progress of key activities covering maritime boundaries, fisheries management, biodiversity conservation, capacity building, and cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, social inclusion, human rights, and communications.

With a EUR 45 million budget, PEUMP takes a holistic approach to sustainable ocean management—linking oceanic and coastal fisheries, conservation, community development, and capacity building. As Phase I concludes, partners committed to carrying the momentum into Phase II to ensure our Pacific ocean remain healthy, productive, and resilient for future generations.

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