Four Betters in action: How the Marshall Islands is strengthening its tuna sector

This article was originally posted and created by FAO.

12 August 2025, Majuro, Marshall Islands – The 2nd National Ocean Symposium focused on ocean conservation and sustainable fisheries development took place from 5 to 7 August in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands. At the event hosted by the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA), the global value chain development programme FISH4ACP showcased efforts to transform the Marshallese tuna sector.

Playing an important role in expanding tuna value chain opportunities in the Marshall Islands is FISH4ACP. It is an initiative of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) which is implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

FISH4ACP is working hand in hand with MIMRA to upgrade the Marshallese tuna value chain. The initiative aims to strengthen the position of the Marshall Islands as a hub for tuna landings, while bolstering economic growth, boosting local employment, and safeguarding the environment.

“Our collaboration with MIMRA is a concrete example of how FAO’s vision of Four Betters - better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life - can be manifested in Marshall Island’s tuna value chain,“ said Guangzhou Qu, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands.

FISH4ACP has played a key role in human resource development and capacity building in the Marshall Islands’ tuna sector. The programme has provided specialized reefer maintenance and repair training to 12 container technicians, while also delivering hygiene and food handling training to 55 additional workers. These efforts are helping strengthen the workforce and ensure higher standards throughout the value chain.

In addition to technical training, FISH4ACP has invested in public awareness and education. A youth engagement campaign was launched to raise interest in careers within the tuna industry, complemented by a gender, culture, and workplace health and safety assessment aimed at making the sector more inclusive and attractive to local communities.

By supporting training programmes to expand the skills of workers and educating communities on jobs in the tuna sector, FISH4ACP has contributed significantly to MIMRA’s mission to expand domestic tuna operations, increase employment opportunities and boost revenue flow in the tuna value chain.

Fisheries are the driving force behind the economy, health and culture in this western Pacific nation and are a key part of discussions at the three-day National Ocean Symposium.

During her keynote speech at the opening of the event, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine underlined the importance of conserving and protecting ocean resources for today and future generations. She exhorted participants to take individual actions to make improvements in the ocean environment.

The National Ocean Symposium gathers local leaders, fishers, women's groups, youth and government representatives to discuss the future of our oceans. Daily sessions focused on guiding principles including regulatory questions, data collection, capacity development and public awareness.

Summarizing the country’s approach to fisheries, MIMRA Executive Director Glen Joseph commented, “The ocean is life. The world’s ocean is being degraded, but we are able to bring part of it back by recognizing that protection and food production are not mutually exclusive. Our future depends on protecting our ocean.”