Last week, we had the great honour and pleasure of welcoming a group of visitors from across the Pacific region to Iceland. The delegation included representatives from the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), two influential organisations in Pacific fisheries and regional ocean governance. Among them was Mr Benaia Bauro, Kiribati Fisheries Observer Coordinator, PIRFO Trainer and Debriefer Assessor.
The group visited Iceland to attend the International Fisheries Observer and Monitoring Conference (IFOMC 2025), held this year in Reykjavík’s Harpa Concert Hall. The event brought together global leaders in fisheries monitoring, science, and innovation
This visit was aligned with the Iceland Ocean Cluster’s ongoing work through the Global Ocean Clusters project, which aims to foster knowledge sharing and mutual innovation between Nordic and Pacific blue economy communities. Alfred “Bubba” Cook, Policy Director at Sharks Pacific, had previously joined us online for the “From Scale to Tail” workshop, part of the Nordic Talks series co-organised with Moananui in Nelson, New Zealand. Meeting in person is the chance to continue conversations, strengthen relationships, and move shared ideas closer to action.
The visit offered a valuable opportunity to share experiences, and explore how we can make the most of every fish we catch: using 100% of the resource while maximising the value that stays with local communities. Whether in Iceland or across the Pacific Islands, the long-term goal is the same: resilient communities built on sustainable, locally rooted seafood economies.
And to top it all off, the sun was shining! Iceland put on its best weather, giving our Pacific guests a bright welcome. We are deeply grateful to all of them for making the journey and look forward to continuing the dialogue (in person and online) as part of a growing global movement for inclusive and sustainable ocean innovation.
