Pacific Catalyst is a partnership of the University of the South Pacific, the University of Wollongong, Duke University, iTunaIntel and Environmental Defense Fund. Dr. Transform Aqorau, former deputy director of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and former CEO of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement is founding director of the new coalition. Pacific Catalyst intends to establish a fisheries think tank and training center at the University of the South Pacific (USP) that will receive technical support from each of the partner organizations.
Inspired by the goals of the Regional Roadmap for Sustainable Pacific Fisheries, Pacific Catalyst will complement national and regional efforts to enhance both the sustainability and value of marine resources while promoting employment opportunities and food security. At present, the coalition is focused on generating research and advancing innovative management approaches for tuna.