Island Palms, Kolonia, Pohnpei: October 1, 2025 - Governor Stevenson A. Joseph delivered the welcoming address at the opening of the First Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Fisheries Investment Seminar held today, October 1, 2025, at Island Palms in Kolonia, Pohnpei. The seminar gathered stakeholders from across the FSM and abroad to discuss opportunities, challenges, and the future of fisheries investment in the nation.
In his remarks, Governor Joseph warmly welcomed participants, extending particular recognition to those who traveled from overseas as well as to those who call Pohnpei home. He emphasized the importance of the inaugural event, noting that it stemmed from the FSM National Fisheries Investment Policy adopted by the National Government in partnership with the four states.
Governor Joseph highlighted the global value of the tuna industry, which is estimated to be $40 billion annually. He underscored the FSM’s central role within the Pacific through the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), which governs some of the world’s most lucrative tuna fishing grounds. He called for greater efforts to increase the FSM’s share of benefits from these resources, whether through fishing fees, onshore support industries, or the development of local fleets crewed by Micronesian captains and seafarers.
“After all, these are our resources,” the Governor said. “The value we are currently realizing from them is not adequate relative to the actual value realized in the global market. We must look for ways to strengthen our position in this industry, not just for today, but for the generations to come.”
Acknowledging the complexity of the fisheries sector and the many challenges it presents, Governor Joseph stressed that the FSM must not be discouraged by current limitations. Instead, he encouraged collaboration, innovation, and shared learning through gatherings such as this seminar.
“Let us harness our knowledge, experience, and ideas together, not as competitors, but as partners,” he said.
The official opening ceremony was completed with additional remarks delivered by Secretary of the FSM Department of Resources and Development, Ms. Elina Akinaga, and Mr. Eugene Pangelinan, consultant with the National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA). Their contributions underscored the shared national commitment to building a stronger, more resilient fisheries sector for the FSM.
The Governor closed his remarks with a quote from a local Wise man: “Ma e sohte kapwang ah kedeh wia, ma e kapwang ah wia, pwe ihme pahn mie katepe.”
The First FSM Fisheries Investment Seminar marks a significant step toward strengthening the FSM’s role in the global fisheries market. For Pohnpei and the nation as a whole, it represents not only an opportunity for economic growth but also a path toward a more sustainable future for its people, resources, and industries.
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