Successful Conclusion of AOMM after 11 Years

 

- Discussion on measures to strengthen maritime cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, including implementing a roadmap for enhancing ocean resilience and eradicating IUU fishing using digital technology

 

 The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF; Minister Kang Do-hyung) announced that the 5th APEC Ocean-related Ministerial Meeting (AOMM) held under the theme of “Sailing to Our Blue Future–Connectivity, Innovation, and Prosperity” in Busan from Wednesday, April 30 to Thursday, May 1 was successfully concluded.

 

 The 5th AOMM was the first sectoral ministerial meeting hosted by Korea as chair country of the 2025 APEC Summit. Approximately 150 high-ranking officials including Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Jelta Wong and ministers and vice-ministers of maritime affairs and fisheries departments from 21 APEC economic bodies attended the meeting.

 

 Themed “Navigating Our Blue Future–Connectivity, Innovation, and Prosperity,” the meeting involved in-depth discussions on various agendas such as response to climate change, management of marine debris, eradication of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and strengthening of maritime cooperation using innovative technologies.

 

 In particular, member countries agreed to begin discussions on the establishment of Roadmap for Promoting APEC Ocean Resilience as proposed by Korea. Additionally, they shared the importance of the recently adopted BBNJ Agreement* and the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement and decided to strengthen regional and international cooperation to respond jointly to marine waste issues including marine plastics.

 

 * Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regarding the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction

 

 Moreover, member countries decided to utilize actively the APEC Marine Environmental Training & Education Center (AMETEC)—established following the 1st AOMM—as the Asia-Pacific region's maritime education hub. They also agreed to continue discussions on regularizing the AOMM, which is expected to contribute to securing continuity and practical implementation of maritime and fisheries policies within the region.

 

 “This meeting was a meaningful opportunity to present a new vision for future maritime cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region while confirming Korea’s status as a responsible, advanced maritime nation. Korea will continue participating proactively in the international community’s efforts for a sustainable maritime future,” Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do-hyung said.