Marshall Islands – Fish4ACP

Tuna accounts for nearly all national fisheries production and exports from the Marshall Islands, a “large ocean state” in the Central Pacific Ocean.

The bulk of tuna caught in the waters surrounding this chain of coral islands and atolls derives from offshore industrial fishing with purse seining being the most dominant form.

Most catches are transshipped in the port of Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, to other regions for processing. Yet, increasing tuna catches have not led to domestic growth in the post-harvest and processing sector.

Expanding onshore operations could generate a lot of jobs and income opportunities for the local population.

FISH4ACP aims to support the sustainable development of the purse seine tuna value chain in the Marshall Islands by stimulating onshore post-harvest and value-addition activities, as well as by facilitating access to export markets.

Working in close collaboration with the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority and other stakeholders, the initiative aims to contribute to food security, economic growth, job creation and income opportunities for the Marshallese population, while safeguarding fish stocks and other natural resources and reducing the environmental footprint of the tuna purse seine industry.