Pacific tuna stocks in alarming decline - Greenpeace

GREENPEACE

Media Release

Pohnpei, Micronesia, August 19, 2013 - Pacific tuna stocks are experiencing further decline and current
management measures are failing to restore stocks, a ten-day meeting of the Scientific Committee of the
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission has concluded.

“The outcome of the meeting demonstrates that there are simply too many industrial fishing vessels
plundering the Pacific, using highly destructive fishing techniques that have wide and damaging impacts on
the ecosystem,” said Dr. Cat Dorey, Greenpeace Coordinator for the International Sustainable Seafood
Programme.

“The Pacific region’s most valuable tuna, the Pacific bluefin, is now down to just four per cent of its original
stock size and other tuna stocks are at risk of following this catastrophic decline unless urgent management
action is taken.”

Previously healthy stocks, such as South Pacific albacore, are now generating concern as stocks are
declining and the economic viability of the fisheries is suffering.

With the meeting in Micronesia ending yesterday, the Scientific Committee also found that the number of
purse seine vessels in the fishery was at an all-time high and catches for bigeye in 2012 were the highest in
eight years. This is despite a commitment by members five years ago to halt and reverse the impacts on
this troubled stock.

“Destructive fishing techniques that employ fish aggregation devices with purse seine nets continue to raze
fish populations, in particular vulnerable juvenile yellowfin and bigeye stocks. A ban on these devices is
urgent and overdue,” continued Dr. Dorey.

The Pacific region’s shark species are also at critically low levels, being caught in huge numbers as bycatch
in both longline and purse seine fisheries.

Greenpeace Pacific Oceans Campaigner, Duncan Williams said, “If Pacific nations are to have fish and
livelihoods in the future there is a pressing need for urgent sharp reductions to fishing efforts and capacity,
plus the adoption of sustainable fishing techniques.”

Greenpeace urges Pacific Island governments to lead by example and transform the tuna sector with
homegrown sustainable fisheries that can ensure equitable returns.

For interview:
Dr. Cat Dorey, Greenpeace Coordinator for the International Sustainable Seafood Programme +61 466 924
683
Duncan Williams, Oceans Campaigner, Greenpeace Fiji, +679 9926232

A set-aside fund for the FSM as Compact reaches midpoint

FSMIS (August 19, 2013): On August 14, President Manny Mori transmitted to Speaker Dohsis Halbert a proposed bill to establish the FSM Set Aside Fund for Congress’ consideration during its upcoming September session.

The proposed fund would provide for two main objectives: “to finance viable investment projects that will accelerate economic growth” and “to prepare for and mitigate the budgetary shortfall expected in 2023 arising from the termination of Compact financial assistance”.

The proposed bill intends to set aside as restricted fund a minimum amount of $5 million annually beginning with the fiscal year 2014 budget in a special account that will be “invested, maintained, reserved, and eventually used subject to the restrictions” that are set out in some detail in the bill.

If passed, the bill would secure a reserve of not less than $50 million by 2023. However, some of this amount could be used to fund selective projects that must undergo due diligent review by the Department of Resources and Development and the Department of Finance for recommendation purposes to the President. Recommended projects would still have to gain approval of Congress through the appropriation process to tap the Set Aside Fund.

Calling for a Set Aside Fund is one of a number of initiatives and measures for which the President has sought the support of Congress to position the FSM strongly for the 10-year remainder of economic assistance under the amended Compact with the United States. 

Each year, the FSM Congress convenes in September to finalize its review of the National Government’s recommended budget for the new fiscal year submitted by the President in April. 

A fiscal year starts on the 1^st of October.

In similar long-term oriented fund investment, the FSM National Government also has a Trust Fund for “future operations” with a reported amount of approximately $11.4 million as of September 30, 2012.

In terms of its purposes, President Mori indicated to Congress at the start of the July 15-24 first special session that he intended to create a restricted sub-account in the FSM Trust Fund for mitigations of environmental catastrophes. Other portions will be built up for post-2023 Government operations.

For further information, write fsmpio@mail.fm.

President Mori wants long-term support to COM-FSM

FSMIS (August 16, 2013): Showing full support for the College of Micronesia-FSM, and in anticipation of the 20th Anniversary of the college that will be celebrated on the 5th of September, President Manny Mori made a brief visit to the college campus yesterday afternoon where he was welcomed by Dr. Joseph M. Daisy, President of the college, and a few staff members.
During his visit, President Mori once again reiterated his congratulations to Dr. Daisy, the Board of Regents as well as the whole college community for their laudable achievement in getting the college off probationary status and securing accreditation with the Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC). At the same time, the President also expressed his gratitude to the FSM Congress for working hand-in-hand with his administration in availing needed funding to COM-FSM to fill the gap left from imposed restrictions on certain federally controlled funding under the Compact.
President Mori found it necessary to show his support by way of a personal visit since he will not be able to physically join in the college's upcoming 20th anniversary celebration as he will be in the Republic of the Marshall Islands attending the Pacific Islands Forum during the first week of September.

Outside the college administration building, Dr. Daisy made a show-and-tell on some of the college's new additions to its overall landscape and infrastructures. Before leaving, President Mori underscored his intention to continue calling for the National Government's long-term commitment to COM-FSM in its quest to ensure quality education at home.

For further information, write fsmpio@mail.fm.

President Mori loops in FSM Congress: FSM ready for Pacific Islands Forum

FSMIS (August 15, 2013): On August 12, FSM President Manny Mori extended an invitation to FSM Speaker Dohsis Halbert and his colleagues to join him and the FSM delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in the Marshall Islands on September 3-6, 2013.

The PIF is the premier annual convention of the heads of state and government in the Pacific that includes the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. At this meeting, shared issues and concerns of mutual importance to the Pacific nations are discussed and addressed. It also avails a platform for direct dialogue with the many Development Partners and friends of the Pacific Islands Forum members in a multilateral as well as bilateral settings. 

President Mori made the invitation to Speaker Halbert and Members of the FSM Congress as part of  keeping Congress "in the loop" on the nation's diplomatic activities. 

President Mori congratulates new Prime Minister of Tuvalu

FSMIS (August 15, 2013): President Manny Mori has extended compliments and congratulations to Honorable Enele Sopoaga who assumed the role of the Prime Minister of Tuvalu on August 5, 2013.

"I am  very confident that with your strong leadership and wisdom, you will be able to address the challenges in an increasingly globalized and modernized world that are currently facing all of us in the Pacific Island Countries. Climate change is among them and I can assure you that my Government will continue to work collectively with your Government and the Pacific Island Countries to urge the international community on its commitment to work with the most vulnerable countries such as ours."

In his August 13 message to the Prime Minister, the President also alluded to the two countries' experience of "amicable relationship" as members of the Pacific Islands Forum and the United Nations and indicated his intention "to further advance the excellent relations" between the FSM and Tuvalu.

The Exit Conference for the FY2012 Single Audit Report for FSM Government done by Deloitte

 Mr. Daniel Fitzgerald from Deloitte and Touche had the opportunity to report to President Manny Mori on some findings and issues relating to the Fiscal Year 2012 Single Audit Report for the FSM Government. The link below provides some details.

http://fsmpio.fm/RELEASES/2013/august_13/08_01_13.html


The audit report is also linked below in its entirety.

http://fsmopa.fm/files/fy13/FSM_compiled%20fs12%20%5BFINAL%2007.20.13%5D.pdf

Recent training strengthens capacity in maritime law enforcement

  An Integrated Maritime Skills Training was conducted at the FSM COM Pohnpei campus from August 1-9, 2013.  Officers received training on fundamental maritime law enforcement, safe underway operations, and vessel boarding procedures encompassing safety considerations, officer awareness, interview techniques, evidence collection, handcuffing, vessel initial safety sweeps, and boarding procedures. Check out the link below for more details.

http://fsmpio.fm/RELEASES/2013/august_13/08_03_13.html

President Mori expresses gratitude to volunteer teachers in the FSM

President Manny Mori said "thank you" to 27 volunteer teachers and all who do this noble task to the your generations of FSM children throughout the nation. Click the link below to read the article.



http://fsmpio.fm/RELEASES/2013/august_13/08_02_13.html

The 13th Micronesian Presidents' Summit: The Ernguul Communique

Here is the link to the entire document of the 13th Micronesian Presidents' Summit held in Palau around the middle of July, 2013.

http://www.fsmpio.fm/communique/MPS_2013_communique1.pdf


The first three pages are joint letter from the Presidents to certain officials....

18th FSM Congress passes six bills and adopts 3 resolutions during first special session

FSMIS (August 1, 2013): The First Special Session of the 18^th FSM Congress was concluded on July 25 with the following bills and resolution passed and adopted.

C.B. No. 18-26, CD1:  To further amend section 934 of Title 54 of the Code of the FSM, as amended by Public Law N. 17-83, to extend a deadline set for the implementation of the tax reform, and for other purposes. The new deadline set is September 30, 2013.

C.B. No. 18-27:  To appropriate the sum of $ 1,680,000 from the General Fund of the FSM for FY2013 to assist Pohnpei State and Yap State in retiring debt and recovering budget shortfalls, and for other purposes. Pohnpei will receive $ 1,130,000 provided that $ 130,000 be used to fund Micronesian Legal Services Corporation, and $ 895,000 be used to cover principal amount owed by Pohnpei employers to Social Security. Yap State will receive $ 550,000 provided that $ 50,000 be used for fuel for a field trip through Yap islands.

C.B. No. 18-29, CD4:  To amend sections 2,3,4,5 and 6 of the Public Law No. 18-05 to change the use and allottee of funds as previously appropriated. Included in the amendments was an increase in the share for the at-large senators of Chuuk and Kosrae by $ 100,000 each.

C.B. No. 18-30:  To amend Public Law No. 17-68, as amended by Public Law No. 17-71, 17-81, 17-84, 17-89, and 18-03, by amending Section 6 thereof, for the purpose of changing the allottee of certain funds previously appropriated therein, and for other purposes. The allottee of the funds appropriated for Chuuk State, as per Section (5)(2)(c) of the said public law shall be the Governor of Chuuk State.

C.B. No. 18-31:  To amend Public Law No. 10-31 by adding a new section 9, for the purpose of forgiving the remaining balance of the recovery loan assistance extended to Chuuk State, and for other purposes. The loan assistance extended to Chuuk was $ 3,762,987. Current outstanding is $ 748,804.

C.B. No. 18-34:  To further amend Public Law No. 14-104, as amended by Public Law No. 15-01 and 15-04, by adding a new section 14 for the purpose of forgiving the remaining balance for the recovery loan assistance extended to the State of Kosrae, and for other purposes. The loan provided to Kosrae State was $ 1,500,000 and the current balance is $ 1,310,000.

Resolutions:

C.R. No. 18-31:  A resolution setting the ceiling for funds estimated to be available for appropriation from the General Fund of the FSM for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013. The ceiling is set at $ 52,566,824 for domestic revenue and $ 7,699,210 for funds available from the Compact of Free Association, as amended.

C.R. No. 18-33:  A resolution confirming the nomination of Mr. Vincent Tafileluw to serve as a member on the FSM Social Security Board of Directors representing Yap State.

C.R. No. 18-34:  Approving and accepting a grant assistance in the amount of $ 10,000 from the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, to fund the implementation of the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child state reporting project, including all the terms and conditions of the assistance.

The bills are undergoing review and consideration at the Executive Branch, except C.B. No. 18-26 which was already signed into law by President Manny Mori on July 19.

Most information provided here were extracted from a July 29 report to the President by his Chief of Staff. 

For further information, email fsmpio@mail.fm .