Pacific Islands Regional Coastal Fisheries Management Policy and Strategic Actions (Apia Policy) 2008-2013 / developed and endorsed by Heads of Fisheries in the Pacific Region during the special session conducted from 11 - 13 February 2008, Apia Samoa

Abstract

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.