MARCH 2011: The European Union (EU), Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) have commenced the DEVFISH II project to provide national and regional assistance to Pacific Island fisheries.

Under DEVFISH II, the EU will provide a total funding of 8 million Euros (10 million USD) for fisheries development and control of illegal fishing.

The Development of Tuna Fisheries in the Pacific ACP Countries Project (DEVFISH) is a European Union funded regional project, aims to give Pacific Islands a fairer slice of economic benefits from tuna fishing. DEVFISH II, jointly administered by FFA and SPC, will over 5 years provide 8.2 million Euros worth of assistance for two broad purposes: 

• fisheries development
• control of illegal fishing.

Pacific Island countries need technical assistance and policy change to increase local industry development to create economic growth while increasing local jobs and food security. For example, Pacific Island countries catch just $200 million worth of tuna from its fisheries while foreign nations fishing in the same waters catch over $2 billion. Meanwhile, estimates of lost potential earnings from illegal fishing range from the millions to over a billion. By focusing its efforts on increasing control of illegal fishing and maximising local opportunities for business and employment, DEVFISH will make a significant impact on Pacific Island economies.