A new management measure for South Pacific Albacore has been established, promising much-needed stability for fishing fleets, coastal economies, and global markets. This decision followed intense negotiations during the annual meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) held in Manila.
For over five years, Pacific nations have faced challenges through the Forum Fisheries Agency in securing predictable management that would better support their domestic fishing fleets and local communities. Dr. Wetjens Dimmlich from the Global Tuna Alliance hailed the agreement as a significant milestone. However, he emphasized that the success of the initiative will hinge on its implementation. “The Global Tuna Alliance and its partners will engage closely throughout 2026 to support efforts that ensure a clear, practical measure while maintaining the integrity of the procedure and providing markets the certainty they require,” he stated.
South Pacific Albacore are highly migratory fish that shift seasonally with water temperature changes, forming the backbone of fisheries in regions such as Fiji, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The negotiations highlighted stark differences among participants; some aimed for higher catch limits to ease short-term adjustments within the industry, while others prioritized addressing declining catch rates to ensure the long-term viability of the fishery.
The South Pacific Albacore fishery is critical not only for regional longline operations but also for supporting domestic industries and major international retailers. A representative from American Samoa pointed out that Albacore accounts for over 80% of the territory’s private sector jobs and contributes heavily to the local economy through its cannery operations. “The decline in catch rates has become a matter of survival,” he remarked, stressing that adopting the South Pacific Albacore Management Procedure at the WCPFC22 is vital for stabilizing the fishery and rejuvenating the local fleet.
Looking ahead, the WCPFC will negotiate an accompanying implementing measure in the coming year, which will operationalize the new management procedure, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the fishing industry in the Pacific region.
Leave a comment