Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama today called for a new relationship of people with the ocean, one that relies on stewardship rather than exploitation.

These remarks were made at the High Level Panel for Sustainable Ocean Economies, held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly.

Bainimarama says a sustainable ocean economy is not a choice, it is an imperative.

He adds everyone needs to rethink and transform the way they operate economies, if they are to roll back the damage being done to the oceans.

The Prime Minister also called on action to be taken at a local and national level to make a difference in the fight against climate change.

Bainimarama is hopeful that the panel would be able to present a clear case for national commitments to promote on ocean health at the next UN Ocean Conference.

The Prime Minister says the international community needs to work together to find solutions, new strategies and financing to manage fisheries and invest in aquaculture.

The Prime Minister is in New York to attend the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, which ends next Wednesday.