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Monday 08:30 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00 Thursday 08:30 - 17:00 Friday 08:30 - 17:00

Pacific Ocean Commissioner

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Pacific Ocean Commissioner

The Pacific Ocean Commissioner is our Ocean champion and advocates for ocean issues for the region.

He is the chief adviser on ocean issues to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders.

01/09/2026

OPOC was pleased to meet with Sebastian Troeng, Chief Executive Officer of Conservation International (CI), during his visit to Palau on 29 August 2026 for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. The Pacific Ocean Commissioner, Dr Filimon Manoni welcomed Mr Troeng and his team to Koror and acknowledged the strong collaboration between OPOC and CI on key conservation initiatives, including support for Pacific Island countries’ readiness to implement the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

Mr Troeng highlighted the Memorandum of Understanding between CI and OPOC, which reinforces the partnership between the two organisations and recognises OPOC’s important role in coordinating countries’ BBNJ priorities. He welcomed the progress made in advancing regional coordination on BBNJ and expressed interest in exploring financing opportunities to support its implementation.

31/08/2026

Alii from Palau. We were pleased to join the Ocean Partnership Roundtable, convened by H.E. Surangel Whipps Jr., President of Palau, Pacific leaders and partners came together to strengthen collaboration in support of Pacific-led priorities.

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni welcomed the strong commitment from governments, investors, philanthropies, and technical partners to align financing, expertise, and action for a sustainable blue economy.

These partnerships are critical to advancing our shared vision for a prosperous, resilient, and sustainable Blue Pacific as we look toward and beyond.

29/08/2026

The Pacific Ocean Commissioner, Dr Filimon Manoni, delivered the keynote remarks at the High Seas Workshop to Support Blue Pacific Regional Ocean Protection, held in Koror, Palau on 28 August 2026. OPOC also presented an overview of the regional ocean architecture, drawing on the key regional policies that underpin the Pacific ocean agenda.

In his remarks, the Commissioner emphasised:
“Our ocean is at the core of our Blue Pacific identity. Our regional institutions and processes are built on our common relationship to the ocean. As custodians of the ocean, our Leaders have not only developed robust regional ocean governance, but they have also advocated for bold action on the global stage — SDG 14, the UN Ocean Conference process, and BBNJ. All of these carry a Pacific footprint.”

The workshop brought together representatives from Pacific countries and international partners, including the Bezos Earth Fund, Ocean 5, SPREP, and civil society organisations.

It provided a valuable opportunity for dedicated dialogue among countries, funders, and implementing partners. Participants discussed High Seas conservation projects currently under development in the Blue Pacific region and identified next steps toward a regional conservation planning workshop. The discussions also highlighted key issues requiring attention and the importance of aligning available support with Pacific led priorities.

The workshop was hosted by the High Seas Alliance in partnership with OPOC.

28/08/2026

The future of our depends not only on policies and negotiations, but also on the stories we tell.

Addressing regional media ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni highlighted the vital role journalists play in advancing ocean literacy, amplifying Pacific voices, and connecting communities to key ocean issues.

"As Pacific Leaders gather next week, we encourage media to continue sharing stories of sustainable fisheries, ocean conservation, traditional knowledge, and Pacific leadership," said Dr Manoni.

"Our ocean story is the Pacific story. Let's tell it well, tell it often, and tell it together."

"I wish you all the very best in your Forum Leaders Meeting coverage next week. And please take time to enjoy this beautiful country—Palau. Speak with people, gather their stories, capture powerful images, film strong cutaways, and record compelling pieces to camera."

26/08/2026

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni welcomed Rebecca Hubbard, Director of the High Seas Alliance, to the OPOC office in Koror, Palau, on Wednesday 26 August.

Their discussion covered preparations for the upcoming High Seas Workshop to support Blue Pacific Regional Ocean Protection, co hosted with OPOC on Friday, 28 August 2026.

They also explored potential areas for future collaboration to support OPOC’s efforts to advance Pacific Leaders’ agenda.

High Seas Alliance

22/07/2026

A stronger Pacific voice for climate action.

Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni this week participated in the 6th Pacific Climate Ministers Talanoa in Sydney, where regional leaders and partners discussed key priorities including ahead of Pre-COP31 in Fiji and COP31 in Türkiye, including coordinated Pacific positions and support for Pacific-led climate action.

The Talanoa focused on advancing shared priorities, coordinating Pacific positions, preparation for the Pre- COP in Fiji and Pacific Leaders visit to Tuvalu.

16/07/2026

🌊 Our World Oceans Day Photo Contest is still open! 📸

Have you entered yet?

Share your best ocean-inspired photographs and help showcase the beauty, diversity and importance of our oceans.

Selected entries will be featured across our platforms during Pre-COP31, amplifying Pacific stories and perspectives that inspire greater action for our ocean and planet.

📌 See the comments for details on how to enter. Submit your entry today!

02/07/2026

Honoured to meet with the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, my wantok, Honourable Matthew Wale.

I look forward to working with him in his role as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, in taking forward the Leaders Agenda on .

19/06/2026

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

17/06/2026

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.

Address

Ratu Sukuna Road
Suva

Opening Hours

Monday	08:30 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:30 - 17:00
Thursday	08:30 - 17:00
Friday	08:30 - 17:00

Telephone

3220251/ 7788251

Website

http://www.opocbluepacific.org/

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