Fiji, Sept. 10 -- The Pacific is closing in on finalising its maritime boundaries and securing permanent ocean entitlements, with regional leaders warned that delays carry real risks for sovereignty, fisheries, and food security.

Speaking at a side event in Honiara on finalising maritime boundaries and advancing 100 percent ocean management, Pacific Community (SPC) Director-General Stuart Minchin said the region is already setting the global benchmark.

"For more than two decades, SPC has been the technical custodian of the Pacific Maritime Boundaries Project, coordinating the settlement of maritime boundaries and Extended Continental Shelf submission," Minchin said.

"Today, eight Pacific countries have adopted national ocean policies, ...