The Philippines, as the host of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC22), is poised to negotiate critical decisions regarding the conservation, monitoring, and a long-overdue harvest strategy for tuna stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Undersecretary for Fisheries, Drusila Esther Bayate, highlighted the importance of this meeting as it aims to manage one of the globe’s most vital marine ecosystems.
Expressing pride in hosting WCPFC, Bayate emphasized the regional obligation to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of highly migratory fish stocks, particularly given that the Western and Central Pacific Ocean is recognized as the world’s largest source of tuna. She acknowledged the global and regional economic significance of species such as bigeye, yellowfin, skipjack, and albacore, which play a crucial role in supporting markets and providing food security for millions globally.
As a founding member of WCPFC since 2004, the Philippines contributes approximately seven percent of the region’s total tuna catch, consistently ranking sixth in the region. Bayate expressed the country’s commitment to maintaining healthy and productive fisheries as a fundamental responsibility that goes beyond environmental obligations—impacting socio-economic conditions for millions of Filipinos and their coastal communities.
WCPFC22 gathers representatives from 42 countries to focus on key tuna stock conservation strategies, tackling illegal fishing practices, reinforcing monitoring and surveillance, and protecting non-target species such as sea turtles and sharks. Bayate highlighted the need for continued effectiveness in tools like the vessel monitoring system, regional observer programs, and standardized data collection methods.
With an optimistic outlook, Bayate stressed the importance of fostering constructive dialogue and bridging different perspectives during this gathering. She called attention to the Commission’s past successes in maintaining sustainable fish stocks and expressed confidence that vital conservation management measures would be finalized during the meeting.
The Philippines is hopeful that the long-awaited harvest strategy will gain consensus at WCPFC22, thereby solidifying its commitment to safeguarding tuna stocks for future generations. This week in Manila marks a significant step toward ensuring a sustainable future for one of the region’s most crucial resources.
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