The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) has made significant strides in sustainable fishing practices by adopting a new management procedure aimed at reducing the catch of South Pacific albacore tuna by approximately 10 to 12 percent, bringing it down to about 56,000 metric tons. This decision marks a critical advancement in balancing conservation needs with economic realities for the fisheries involved.
The new framework, developed over nearly a decade, is rooted in scientific research and aims to create sustainable limits that foster the long-term viability of the tuna stock. Kitty Simonds, the executive director of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC), noted the essential role that U.S. Pacific territories played in the procedure’s development, underscoring their steadfast commitment to ocean conservation.
This reduction in albacore catch is especially vital for small island nations such as American Samoa, which have experienced troubling economic downturns. By easing the oversupply of tuna, this management procedure is expected to improve market conditions and support local fisheries. Simonds emphasized its importance for stabilizing these fisheries, along with safeguarding food security for island communities that rely on them.
The WCPFC’s decision, reached during its 22nd regular session in Manila, aims not only to protect the albacore fishery but also to uphold Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for the U.S. territory’s longline fishery. This certification enables local fishermen to sell albacore at a higher price to companies like StarKist, reinforcing their economic stability.
Council member Nathan Ilaoa highlighted the stark disparity faced by local fleets, which struggle to remain operational amidst high costs and low catch rates without external support. This procedural change is seen as a crucial step to facilitate a more equitable fishing environment for the American Samoa longline fleet and other domestic fleets in the region.
Further, the initiative aligns with broader objectives to protect regional food security and bolster economic resilience for island communities. Chelsa Muña, director of Guam’s Department of Agriculture, commended the council’s actions, pointing out their positive impact on both local economies and food availability.
The U.S. delegation, led by NOAA’s Drew Lawler, also underscored their commitment to enhance management practices for other fish stocks, including bigeye tuna, and to explore innovative conservation measures such as electronic monitoring by 2026. Simonds noted an improved and unified approach from the U.S. and territorial delegations this year, reflecting a positive shift in collaboration for sustainable fisheries management.
Overall, this new management procedure represents a hopeful turning point for the South Pacific albacore tuna fishery, fostering both ecological and economic benefits for island nations.
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