Tuvalu has raised an urgent call to action at the ongoing WCPFC22 meeting, emphasizing the need for more robust fisheries regulations to safeguard vital tuna stocks and the economic stability of nations that depend on them. During the meeting’s opening on Monday, Minister of Natural Resources Development Sa’aga Talu outlined the country’s expectations for genuine advancements on four significant matters.
Talu highlighted the long-overdue Management Procedure for South Pacific albacore, expressing that although albacore is not critical for Tuvalu’s economy, collaborating with fellow Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) members and maintaining the Commission’s credibility is essential. “For Tuvalu, the fishery for albacore is not very important, but I have prioritized this out of solidarity with other FFA members, as well as to uphold the Commission’s reputation for responsible management of our tuna resources,” he stated.
He expressed concerns about delays in adopting the albacore management procedure, advocating for proposals that he deemed fair, balanced, and effective, urging all Commission members for their acceptance. Talu also addressed the purse seine fishery, which constitutes over half of Tuvalu’s national revenue. He emphasized the critical role of Fish Aggregation Devices (FAD) in this sector.
The minister welcomed discussions about mandating FAD-tracking and logsheets as a standard requirement across the Commission, noting their successful implementation by Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA). While backing biodegradable FADs, he noted industry concerns regarding their efficiency and revealed Tuvalu’s initiative to retrieve and reuse FAD buoys, aiming to address environmental concerns associated with non-degradable components.
Perhaps the most pressing issue raised was regarding high seas transshipment. Talu underscored serious worries over longline catch transshipments, highlighting that what was intended as an exceptional measure has become commonplace, thereby increasing risks of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities and potential worker exploitation. He called for renewed efforts to strengthen regulations, which have faced obstruction in the past.
Lastly, Talu supported postponing the review of the Tropical Tuna Conservation and Management Measure (TTCMM) for one year, suggesting that this additional time would enable scientific experts to complete vital studies necessary for informed regulation. “We strongly support the proposal to delay the revision… This will align the process with the Skipjack Management Procedure and allow our dedicated science provider more time to do the necessary groundwork,” he concluded.
Tuvalu’s proactive stance at WCPFC22 serves as a reminder of the essential balance between economic needs and sustainable management of ocean resources, aiming for collaboration and progressive change in the Pacific region’s fisheries policies.
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