Fiji, Sept. 15 -- Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have adopted a new Ocean Statement calling for stronger political leadership, urgent climate action, tighter fisheries management and Pacific-led financing to protect the Blue Pacific.

The 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Ocean Statement places the ocean at the centre of Pacific security, food security, economies, culture and livelihoods, while warning that climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, overfishing and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing are putting the region's ocean under growing pressure.

Leaders committed to "responsible stewardship of the Blue Pacific ocean" for current and future generations and agreed to strengthen political leadership by convening a Pacif...