Nauru Island Agreement

The Nauru Island Agreement, also known as the Nauru Agreement Concerning Cooperation in the Management of Fisheries of Common Interest, is an international treaty that aims to manage and conserve tuna resources in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. The treaty was signed by eight Pacific Island countries in 1982, namely Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu.

The Nauru Island Agreement established the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), which is responsible for ensuring the sustainable management of tuna resources in the region. The WCPFC sets fishing quotas, regulates fishing methods, and monitors fishing activities to prevent overfishing. The treaty also allows for the establishment of exclusive economic zones (EEZ) for each member country, which extends their jurisdiction over the waters adjacent to their territories.

One of the main objectives of the Nauru Island Agreement is to protect the interests of Pacific Island countries in the tuna industry. The treaty ensures that the revenue generated from tuna fishing is shared among member countries, with a larger portion going to the countries that have the most significant tuna resources in their EEZs. This provision helps to tackle the issue of “tuna pirating,” which is the illegal fishing of tuna in the EEZs of Pacific Island countries by foreign vessels.

The Nauru Island Agreement has been successful in maintaining the sustainability of tuna stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. The WCPFC has implemented various conservation measures, such as setting catch limits, protecting spawning areas, and discouraging the use of fishing methods that harm non-target species. As a result, the tuna population in the region has remained stable, and the industry continues to provide a significant source of income for Pacific Island countries.

In conclusion, the Nauru Island Agreement is a crucial international treaty that promotes the sustainable management and conservation of tuna resources in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Through the establishment of the WCPFC and the implementation of various conservation measures, the treaty has helped to protect the interests of Pacific Island countries in the tuna industry while ensuring the long-term viability of tuna stocks in the region.