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The aim of this brief is to: • alert governments to some of the risks that climate change poses to the fisheries priorities of the Pacific Plan and the actions identified in the Vava’au Declaration on Pacific Fisheries Resources; and • identify how the fishing industry and fishing communities can begin to adapt to changing environments to help maintain the benefits of fisheries. This is the first in a series of interim Policy Briefs on this issue. As more knowledge is gained through the new project on fisheries and climate in the region1, more comprehensive recommendations for adaptive management will be provided.

The plastic demijohn Origin: streets, streams, beaches and boats. Behaviour: can cause serious, even fatal intestinal blockages in marine animals if swallowed. Average lifespan: 400 to 600 years. The battery Origin: streets, streams and boats. Behaviour: discharges liquids that are highly toxic for marine animals and plants. Average lifespan: more than 1000 years. The plastic bottle Origin: streets, streams, beaches and boats. Behaviour: can cause fatal intestinal blockages in marine animals that swallow it. Average lifespan: 300 to 500 years.

There are 30,000 islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean. These islands are divided into 22 Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) with a total land area of 0.5 million square kilometres.They are inhabited by over 9 million people and cover a total EEZ (exclusive economic zone) area of almost 30 million square kilometres.The Pacific Ocean contains the largest array of marine habitats and coastal biodiversities in the world and sustains the largest stocks of albacore, bigeye, skipjack and yellowfin tuna. It has extensive coral reefs, consisting of 70 coral genera supporting over 4,000 fish species, 30 mangrove species and a range of reptiles, marine mammals and sea birds.The marine habitat and ecosystems of this vast area provide the pelagic and coastal fisheries resources on which the people of the Pacific depend for food security and continuing livelihoods.

Our vision for the region is a secure and prosperous Pacific Community, whose people are educated and healthy and manage their resources in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable way. Our vision for the organisation is a highly professional, bilingual and dynamic Secretariat that is closely attuned to the needs, aspirations and priorities of its members and works in partnership with other national, regional and international organisations and its development partners to serve its island members.