US To Pay The Promised USD 60 Million To Pacific Islands

The US will release USD 60 million to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced it earlier this week during a meeting with the Pacific Islands Ambassadors and representatives.

The commitment dates back to 2022, when former Vice President Kamala Harris committed to an annual USD 60 million payment to FFA  for the next ten years, as part of a new Economic Assistance Agreement related to the Tuna Treaty. This was approved by Congress. A US Department of State statement, from this week, read that the “amount will allow US-flagged vessels to fish in the EEZs of 16 Pacific Island countries, generating hundreds of millions per year in gross revenue for the US economy.” Pacific Island nations such as Tokelau had complained in April that US tuna vessels have been lagging in their payments to fish in the island’s EEZ, and it is seeking the help of New Zealand to get the dues.