Dr. Josie Tamate, Chair of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), has communicated a vital message to Pacific communities amid the ongoing negotiations in Manila. She emphasized the Commission’s commitment to maintaining healthy tuna stocks and protecting species that depend on them. In her remarks to PACNEWS, Dr. Tamate underscored that the Commission’s initiatives are rooted in scientific research and long-term sustainability.
“The Commission is working diligently to ensure the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) continues to sustain the healthy status of key tuna species,” Dr. Tamate stated. She also highlighted the Commission’s broader mission, which encompasses the entire marine ecosystem, not solely tuna. “The Commission continues to mitigate the impact of fishing on non-targeted species such as sea birds, sea turtles, and cetaceans,” she pointed out.
As Pacific Island economies are significantly reliant on tuna revenue for both economic stability and food security, local communities have voiced their concerns to leaders regarding complex issues such as harvest strategies, high-seas transshipment, climate risks, and compliance challenges.
The guiding principle for the WCPFC is straightforward, according to Dr. Tamate: “The work of the Commission is ongoing, and decisions are made based on science. The ultimate goal is to sustain the healthy status of the fishery. It is better to maintain rather than rebuild when and if a fish stock collapses.”
The WCPFC22 conference continues this week, with member states under significant pressure to finalize critical measures that will influence the future of the region’s multi-billion-dollar tuna fishery. Dr. Tamate’s emphasis on scientific stewardship and ecological concern reflects a proactive approach in addressing the pressing challenges facing Pacific tuna fisheries and marine biodiversity. This dedication showcases hope for sustainable management practices that can benefit both the environment and local communities in the long term.
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