Pacific Ocean Commissioner

Celebrating Tuvalu’s launch of its National Ocean Policy on June 8 to commemorate World Ocean is a big step in protecting our Blue Pacific.

For Tuvalu, the ocean is identity, culture, and livelihood. As stewards of nearly 900,000 km², their leadership reminds us that collective action is key to sustaining our ocean.

💙 Let’s all play our part in protecting the ocean that connects us.

Fakafetai lasi.

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni this week joined ocean leaders at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo Japan-

He also shared Pacific priorities at the Panel on Knowledge and Skills for Action in Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management emphasizing that we must fully recognise and integrate Indigenous and Local Knowledge. Pacific communities have managed their ocean for generations—this knowledge is vital for effective and inclusive planning.

Dr Manoni believed that If we are to sustainably manage the world’s largest - the Pacific Ocean- our Pacific Island countries must be empowered not only to access knowledge especially traditional knowledge—but to generate it, apply it, and lead with it.

The Commissioner also connected with fellow Pacific delegates, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable ocean leadership across the region

3rd Veivueti Ocean Conference is here!

A powerful start for the 3rd annual Veivueti Ocean Conference, bringing together 200 students from 15 schools—and proudly endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade. 💙🌏

Pacific Ocean Commissioner welcomed our young ocean champions with a heartfelt message:
"This conference is more than a gathering—it is a movement of passionate young people who care deeply for the ocean, the lifeblood of our islands, communities, and future;" said Dr Manoni.

Over the next two days, students will learn, discover, and explore, building friendships and sharing knowledge that can create real change.

Dr Manoni addressing the young champions during the opening at International School Suva left them with three powerful reminders:

🔹 The ocean is your home—your identity, culture, and connection to your ancestors
🔹 To save the ocean is to save the world—every action matters
🔹 You are the ocean—its strength and mana flow through you

“Be curious. Be bold. Speak up. Take action. You are not just participants—you are leaders of change," he said.

Reflecting on the Pacific Islands Forum Climate Justice and Sea Level Rise Week in Suva, Fiji last week.

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni spoke at the session for the Pacific Legal & Policy Architecture on Protection of Persons Affected by SLR, delivered a timely message highlighting the urgent need to strengthen awareness and action on the protection of persons affected by sea level rise (SLR).

Dr Manoni emphasised the importance of unpacking the International Court of Justice Opinion and ensuring communities understand its implications, while calling for a unified regional approach moving forward.

Guided by the 2050 Strategy as the Pacific's North Star, he urged stakeholders to collectively map practical pathways that safeguard Pacific peoples.

A key takeaway: this issue must remain front and centre across all regional and international discussions—whether on climate change or governance.

🌊 The Pacific voice is clear: protecting our people is not optional—it’s imperative.

Vinaka vakalevu Fiji's Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources for the strong collaboration in hosting the Diplomatic Reception on Blue Pacific Ocean Cooperation.

Your partnership and leadership in creating this space for meaningful dialogue on governance and regional collaboration are truly appreciated. We look forward to continuing our joint efforts toward advancing a resilient and sustainable Blue Pacific.

🌊 Pacific Voices Leading Ocean Governance 🌊

Bula vinaka from Suva, Fiji.

Today, Pacific leaders, partners, and the International Seabed Authority gathered to open the Pacific SIDS Regional Workshop on the Deep Seabed Sustainable Blue Growth Initiative—a critical step in shaping the future of our shared ocean.

The workshop was officially opened by Fiji's Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo. " The ocean has sustained Pacific peoples for millennia. It has been our highway, our food source, our spiritual home, and our shared inheritance. As we consider the governance of what lies beneath its surface, we carry not only legal obligations—but a deeper responsibility," he said.

Organised by the International Seabed Authority, the keynote speaker was ISA Secretary General Leticia Carvalho.

This workshop underscores a powerful message:
The Pacific is not just a region on the map—we are custodians of the Blue Pacific Continent, deeply connected to and responsible for the global ocean commons.

Key highlights of the three day workshop:
🔹 Strengthening Pacific capacity to navigate deep seabed governance
🔹 Launch of practical tools to guide sponsoring States in legal and commercial decision-making
🔹 Advancing environmental protection, science-based policies, and accountability
🔹 Promoting inclusive participation, including opportunities for Pacific women in ocean research
🔹 Reinforcing alignment with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent

While perspectives on deep-sea minerals differ across the region, Pacific nations remain united in their commitment to:
✅ Sustainability
✅ Strong governance
✅ Intergenerational equity
✅ A rules-based international order under UNCLOS

Pacific Islands Forum Acting Secretary General Desna Solofa said that as Pacific nations, while we have different views on exploring the development of deep-sea minerals within and outside of national jurisdictions, we remain collectively committed to rules-based international order and adherence to the 1982 UNCLOS.
"Our diverse perspectives reflect our sovereign choices, our varied capacities, and our shared desire to protect the health of our Pacific ocean for generations to come. And for this, we believe that open dialogue, trust, and respect are critical when it comes to discussing deep sea minerals. We remain guided by our collective values, as articulated in the 2050 Strategy," said Ms Solofa.

This gathering is more than dialogue—it is a collective effort to ensure Pacific voices are prepared, coordinated, and influential in global ocean decision-making.
Vinaka vakalevu to all partners and participants committed to protecting our and securing a resilient future for generations to come.

🌊 Day 3 | Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni took part in today’s plenary on “Ocean Governance and Maritime Boundaries,” aimed at strengthening understanding of legally defined maritime boundaries and the exercise of State sovereignty within these jurisdictions.

Moderated by former Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dame Meg Taylor, the session brought together distinguished speakers from the Governments of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the Pacific Community (SPC).

Dr Manoni highlighted the significance of the BBNJ Agreement—the third implementing agreement under UNCLOS—in addressing critical gaps in global ocean governance. He also underscored its relevance to maritime boundaries and its alignment with the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) vision for a transboundary, collaborative marine conservation effort.

Strengthening governance, protecting biodiversity, and advancing regional cooperation remain central to securing a sustainable ocean future.

🌊 Day 2 | Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026

High-level engagements continue on the sidelines of the Summit as Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni and UNSG Special Envoy on the Ocean, Peter Thomson, met with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Honourable James Marape and the Prime Minister of Tuvalu Honourable Feleti Teo.

During a plenary on Ocean Finance, Commissioner Manoni shared key insights and lessons from the Pacific Ocean Finance Exchange, highlighting the importance of innovative financing to support sustainable ocean management and resilience across the region.

Discussions also advanced through the Ocean Toktok on “Connected Blue Corridors”, emphasizing collaboration to protect and sustainably manage our shared ocean spaces. 🌐🐟

Together, we continue to strengthen partnerships for a healthier, more resilient Pacific Ocean.