Honiara, Solomon Islands — The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) officially launched its Corporate Plan 2024–2027 and Electronic Monitoring (EM) Policy 2026–2030 during a joint ceremony officiated by the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Polycarp Paea.
The event marked the Minister’s first official public engagement on fisheries since assuming office and was attended by MFMR management and staff, development partners, and representatives from Mekem Strong Solomon Islands Fisheries (MSSIF), the World Bank-funded PROPER Project, OFCF Japan, Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Office (BHTPO), Bina Region Arrangements for Governance (BRAG), CAB-SMART, and other stakeholders.
In his remarks, Hon. Paea described the Corporate Plan as a “ship compass” that will guide the Ministry’s priorities and strategic direction over the next four years.
“The Corporate Plan outlines the Ministry’s focus on fisheries management and development, protection of fisheries and aquaculture resources, and institutional excellence,” Minister Paea said.
He said the Plan aligns with the National Fisheries Policy 2019–2029 and the Solomon Islands Government National Development Strategy 2020–2035.
The Plan is guided by four key goals:
- Environmental Sustainability
- Economic and Social Benefits
- Sovereign Rights and Resource Security
- Institutional Excellence and Service Delivery
Hon. Paea challenged MFMR staff to take ownership of the Plan and work collectively to implement its strategic priorities.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of the Electronic Monitoring Policy 2026–2030, describing it as a major step forward in strengthening fisheries governance in Solomon Islands.
“The implementation of Electronic Monitoring on longline fishing vessels will enhance transparency, improve compliance with fisheries regulations, and provide accurate data to support sustainable management of our tuna resources,” he said.
He clarified that Electronic Monitoring will complement, not replace, human observers by providing an independent and verifiable source of fisheries information.
According to the Minister, the EM system will strengthen Solomon Islands’ efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, while helping the country meet regional and international obligations and global seafood traceability requirements.
“By embracing Electronic Monitoring, we are investing in the long-term sustainability of our fisheries sector, safeguarding economic benefits for our people, and ensuring our marine resources continue to contribute to national development and food security for generations to come,” Hon. Paea said.
The Minister concluded by officially declaring the launch of the MFMR Corporate Plan 2024–2027 and the Electronic Monitoring Policy 2026–2030, and congratulated MFMR for developing the two important policy documents.
