Pacific Ocean Commissioner

An evening of ocean, reflection, and hope. 🌊

Close to 200 people gathered in Suva, Fiji last week on World Ocean Day for the screening of Sir David Attenborough’s powerful Ocean film — a moving reminder of the beauty and fragility of our greatest shared resource.

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni during his address that evening reminded us that for the Pacific, the ocean is far more than a resource — it is our home. "It feeds us, connects us, and shapes who we are. Yet today, it faces growing pressures from climate change, coral bleaching, and unsustainable practices."

The film stirred both urgency and hope. Because the message is clear: the ocean can recover — if we act together.

Across the Blue Pacific, communities are already leading through stewardship, tradition, and collective action. This screening, supported by Minderoo Foundation Australia in partnership with Artesano Productions, brought together leaders, partners, and communities — including Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa — to strengthen that shared commitment.

More than just a film, this was a call to action. Attendees pledged to protect our ocean — from reducing plastic waste and supporting sustainable fishing, to teaching future generations and advocating for stronger ocean policies.

As the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner continues to connect governments, communities, and partners, moments like this remind us of what is possible when we come together.

Let this be more than inspiration. Let it be action.
Because this is our ocean… and our future.



Pacific Islands Forum
Minderoo Foundation
Production

Honouring those who paved the way!

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni this week pays tribute to his predecessors- former Pacific Ocean Commissioners- Neroni Slade Tuiloma, Dame Meg Taylor and Henry Puna- for their vision and foresight in shaping the Pacific’s ocean journey.

Their leadership has laid the foundation for the continued stewardship of our Blue Pacific Continent.

Dr Manoni and the three former Pacific Ocean Commissioner were in Suva this week for the Pacific Security Dialogue hosted by the Pacific Security College.

Strengthening Pacific Voices at Australia and Pacific Ocean Business Summit

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni joined Pacific Ocean leaders, regional and Business bringing a unified voice from our region for our shared Pacific

Together they amplified the message that the Pacific is not just a stakeholder- but a leader in shaping discussions and actions for our ocean.

The Summit held in Cairns, Australia is the region's premier cross- sector leadership forum bringing together business, government, finance, philanthropy, traditional owners and science to unlock the next wave of sustainable growth, resilience and innovation in the ocean economy

Celebrating Tuvalu’s launch of its National Ocean Policy on June 8 to commemorate World Ocean is a big step in protecting our Blue Pacific.

For Tuvalu, the ocean is identity, culture, and livelihood. As stewards of nearly 900,000 km², their leadership reminds us that collective action is key to sustaining our ocean.

💙 Let’s all play our part in protecting the ocean that connects us.

Fakafetai lasi.

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni this week joined ocean leaders at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo Japan-

He also shared Pacific priorities at the Panel on Knowledge and Skills for Action in Sustainable Ocean Planning and Management emphasizing that we must fully recognise and integrate Indigenous and Local Knowledge. Pacific communities have managed their ocean for generations—this knowledge is vital for effective and inclusive planning.

Dr Manoni believed that If we are to sustainably manage the world’s largest - the Pacific Ocean- our Pacific Island countries must be empowered not only to access knowledge especially traditional knowledge—but to generate it, apply it, and lead with it.

The Commissioner also connected with fellow Pacific delegates, reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable ocean leadership across the region

3rd Veivueti Ocean Conference is here!

A powerful start for the 3rd annual Veivueti Ocean Conference, bringing together 200 students from 15 schools—and proudly endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade. 💙🌏

Pacific Ocean Commissioner welcomed our young ocean champions with a heartfelt message:
"This conference is more than a gathering—it is a movement of passionate young people who care deeply for the ocean, the lifeblood of our islands, communities, and future;" said Dr Manoni.

Over the next two days, students will learn, discover, and explore, building friendships and sharing knowledge that can create real change.

Dr Manoni addressing the young champions during the opening at International School Suva left them with three powerful reminders:

🔹 The ocean is your home—your identity, culture, and connection to your ancestors
🔹 To save the ocean is to save the world—every action matters
🔹 You are the ocean—its strength and mana flow through you

“Be curious. Be bold. Speak up. Take action. You are not just participants—you are leaders of change," he said.

Reflecting on the Pacific Islands Forum Climate Justice and Sea Level Rise Week in Suva, Fiji last week.

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni spoke at the session for the Pacific Legal & Policy Architecture on Protection of Persons Affected by SLR, delivered a timely message highlighting the urgent need to strengthen awareness and action on the protection of persons affected by sea level rise (SLR).

Dr Manoni emphasised the importance of unpacking the International Court of Justice Opinion and ensuring communities understand its implications, while calling for a unified regional approach moving forward.

Guided by the 2050 Strategy as the Pacific's North Star, he urged stakeholders to collectively map practical pathways that safeguard Pacific peoples.

A key takeaway: this issue must remain front and centre across all regional and international discussions—whether on climate change or governance.

🌊 The Pacific voice is clear: protecting our people is not optional—it’s imperative.