Pacific island leaders have called for more help to fight illegal fishing and a worldwide network of marine sanctuaries at a major gathering at the UN World Oceans Conference in New York.
Five country leaders making opening remarks at the landmark gathering hailed from the Pacific.
Prime Minister and co‑president of the Oceans Conference, Voreqe Bainimarama has made a strong statement at the opening of the Conference in New York urging youths across the world to become an agent for change.
He says the quality of our oceans and seas is deteriorating at an alarming rate.
Today is World Oceans Day and Bainimarama reminded World Leaders at the Oceans Conference that Oceans and Climate Change are interlinked because rising sea levels, as well as ocean acidity and warmer waters have a direct effect on our reefs and fish stocks and the prosperity of our coastal communities.
