BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Director for the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) Mr Edward Honiwala has reiterated that Tuna is part of Solomon Islands life and culture.
He made the statement on 2nd May 2022 when Solomon Islands joined Parties to Nauru Agreement (PNA) FFA members together with the globe to mark the 7th World Tuna Day.
This is the 7th World tuna celebration after the United Nation resolution to recognize the important marine resource during their General Assembly meeting in 2016.
Mr Honiwala said the Day is an important day for Solomon Islanders to remember the importance of Tuna to the Solomon Islands and its communities.
In commemorating 2nd May 2022 Mr Honiwala reassures the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration with regional and international partners.
“Today (2nd May 2022) with the demand for tuna throughout the world, the resource needs to be well and sustainably managed.
The theme for this year’s WTD is ‘ Our tuna Our Heritage’.
“The theme reflected well in the context of SI as Tuna has been part of our culture and tuna has been part of our lives.
“Tuna contributes significantly to our country’s revenue, generate job opportunities for our people, a source of food and livelihood to our communities, so truly as Solomon Islanders ‘Our tuna is Our Heritage.
Mr Honiwala also highlighted that every success story from the tuna hub in Noro, Western Province will always stand as.
“We count on more than 2000 jobs created in the tuna fishing and processing sectors. Many other economic activities and benefits are directly and indirectly linked to the processing plant in Noro.
He further stated in a statement that SIG through the MFMR would implement a similar tuna facility in Bina Habour Malaita province.
“Creating more jobs means securing social peace and security in our country.
