Fiji, Sept. 17 -- Forum Leaders have agreed to ramp up efforts to secure greater economic returns from the region's fisheries while backing a new regional declaration on kava.

"In relation to fisheries development in the region, Leaders commended the ongoing efforts to enhance market access for regional fisheries products, including through initiatives such as Pacific Islands Tuna, and committed to strengthen and enhance the region's ability to develop and participate in value chain production, to increase the region's economic returns from fisheries," the communique stated.

Leaders acknowledged the U.S Tuna Treaty annual Economic Assistance Agreement payment of US$60 million for 2024 to the Forum Fisheries Agency and "supported renewed...