Resource information
In the last 10 years, World Bank
activity in the fisheries sector of the Pacific Islands
region has been limited to two regional economic reports, a
study of coastal resources management, and a few technical
assistance missions. The purpose of this study was to
conduct a brief internal review of the Pacific fisheries
sectors past performances, based on the existing literature
and experience of the individuals involved. The
report's main aim is to identify key constraints and
past mitigating activities in fisheries in the Pacific
Islands region, and activities supported by past donor,
regional and national fisheries programs. In addition, the
report examines the potential future role of the World Bank
in the Pacific Islands region fisheries sector. This
report's findings are intended as a starting point in
this analysis. The next step is to facilitate a frank
discussion about the potential World Bank role with key
donors, regional institutions, and national government
authorities currently involved in the sector. The record of
past donor support suggests that while single donors have
successfully implemented technical assistance and investment
projects, they have, as a group, been less effective in
addressing core sector issues such as: (a) the economically
lopsided relationship between Pacific Island countries
(PICs) and Distant Water Fishing Nations (DWFNs); (b) the
economically sub-optimal management of tuna fisheries; and
(c) enhancing PICs' share of the value added created by
the region's tuna fishery.
