By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
The future of the Pacific tuna fisheries hangs in the balance as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) prepares to meet in Manila next week. Chairperson Dr. Josie Tamate emphasizes the critical necessity of adopting a long-awaited harvest strategy for South Pacific albacore to provide economic certainty for island nations facing years of decline.
In a recent interview, Dr. Tamate highlighted the direct correlation between the management of South Pacific albacore and the regional tuna economy, valued at around $5.3 billion annually. She remarked on the importance of South Pacific Albacore (SPA) as a vital resource for southern Pacific Island communities, despite concerns over the economic viability of a stock that is biologically healthy.
“Previous WCPFC meetings have echoed the urgent need to rebuild the fishery, improve stability, and enhance catch rates,” Dr. Tamate noted. The proposed harvest strategy aims to establish a framework that not only secures the economic benefits of the fishery but also offers a pathway for its recovery. This fishery is crucial for domestic fleets based in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, which all heavily rely on albacore.
Pacific delegations are united in their calls for economic improvement within the fishery sector. Dr. Tamate pointed out that the South Pacific Group, composed of five members from the Forum Fisheries Agency, has been proactive in discussions about the necessity for economic recovery of the industry.
The urgency surrounding the adoption of an albacore harvest strategy is intensified by the challenges of falling catch rates, rising costs, and competition from distant-water fleets. Pacific governments have raised alarm that delaying this crucial strategy could destabilize the longline industry, deter investment, and weaken confidence in the reforms endorsed by the Commission.
Dr. Tamate expresses cautious optimism, acknowledging island nations’ expectations for the Commission to deliver concrete results after years of commitments. The focus in Manila will be on re-establishing predictability and revitalizing the longline sector, which is essential for many small island economies.
As the region’s longline fleets face growing economic pressures, the forthcoming meeting in Manila represents a pivotal moment for the WCPFC. It could set a precedent for transforming strategic plans into actionable management frameworks that safeguard both tuna stocks and the livelihoods they support throughout the Pacific. The outcomes from this meeting could redefine the sustainability of the fisheries, bringing hope to communities reliant on this vital resource.
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