Updates from Asia-Pacific

Stories from the frontlines of conservation in the Asia-Pacific region

More stories from Asia-Pacific

Securing the Future of Pacific Tuna Through a Transformative Climate Grant

A major win for Pacific Island nations: Conservation International and the Pacific Community have secured one of the largest climate adaptation investments ever made in the Pacific. 

Why This Matters 

Tuna is vital to the Pacific. The industry supports tens of thousands of jobs and generates 34% of non-aid government revenue for many island nations. As coastal fish populations decline due to coral bleaching and environmental changes, tuna is becoming even more vital for food security. 

However, ocean warming is driving tuna stocks away from Pacific waters and into international seas, threatening the economic and social benefits these countries have relied on for generations. Research by SPC and Conservation International warns that by 2050, climate-driven tuna redistribution could reduce Pacific tuna catches by 10–30%, costing island nations up to $140 million annually—a devastating blow for economies already on the frontlines of climate change. 

 

Equipping Pacific Nations to Adapt 

This programme will provide cutting-edge tools and resources to help Pacific nations adapt, including: 

  • Scientific data and technology to monitor tuna migration and inform regional fisheries management. 

  • Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) to boost local catches and reduce reliance on distant-water fishing fleets.

  • Capacity-building and policy support to strengthen regional cooperation and ensure Pacific nations retain their economic rights over tuna stocks.

  • Sustainable fisheries management strategies to help governments respond proactively to climate impacts. 

The program will work closely with local communities to close the fish supply gap, protect economic livelihoods, and ensure 800,000 people have improved access to healthy protein sources. 

 

Scaling Conservation for the World’s Largest Ocean 

This initiative is the result of a decade of work and catalytic seed funding from key supporters, including Moccasin Lake Foundation and Minderoo Foundation. In 2024, the project was nearly out of funding when the Minderoo Foundation stepped up with an emergency grant, ensuring we could carry the effort forward. 

📖 Read more in The Washington Post here.

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