By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
One of the leading advocates for tuna conservation in the region has expressed serious concerns regarding the upcoming meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), warning that the organization faces a credibility crisis if it fails to deliver on its long-promised harvest strategies. In an interview with PACNEWS, Bubba Cook, the Shark Pacific Policy Director, stated that the Commission is running out of justifications for its inaction, and the patience of the international community is waning.
“The WCPFC must acknowledge the increasing scrutiny from both media and global markets, which are now closely monitoring its decisions,” Cook emphasized. He pointed out that buyers and certification organizations are tracking compliance with science-based management practices, and any further delays in action could have significant repercussions.
Cook did not hold back when discussing the potential fallout if the Manila meeting results in yet another failure. “The members no longer have the luxury of failing to act year on year to implement basic provisions that ensure the conservation and management under their charge,” he warned.
He also highlighted the damaging impact a small group of members within the WCPFC is having by obstructing progress. According to Cook, this obstructive behavior undermines the credibility of the entire Commission. “It is evident that one chamber of the WCPFC relies on pure obstruction to prevent meaningful measures from advancing,” he stated, arguing that these members must be held accountable in the public sphere for their actions.
Cook reiterated that the stakes are high, not just for the Commission’s integrity but also for global tuna fisheries, which are vulnerable to pressures from climate change and poor management. He framed the upcoming meeting in Manila as a vital test for the WCPFC’s ability to function as a credible, science-based regulatory body. “If they fail on harvest strategies again, the signal to global markets will be loud and clear — this Commission can’t do its job,” he concluded.
The outcome of the WCPFC meeting in Manila could play a pivotal role in determining the future of tuna fisheries and sustainable fishing practices in the Pacific. With increasing awareness and involvement from stakeholders worldwide, there remains a glimmer of hope that actionable measures will finally be put in place to protect this critical resource.
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