By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
The Chair of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), Dr. Josie Tamate, emphasized the urgent need for decisive action regarding the world’s largest tuna fishery during the opening media briefing of WCPFC22 in Manila. She stated that this week represents a critical moment for the Commission to finalize the long-delayed management procedure for South Pacific albacore, which is essential for maintaining sustainable fish stocks that account for over half of the global tuna market.
Dr. Tamate elaborated on the gravity of the Commission’s role, underscoring the expectations Pacific nations have for immediate action. “We have key tuna stocks under our responsibility that must remain at sustainable levels. More than 50 percent of the tuna catch landed from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) contributes to the global tuna supply,” she said, emphasizing the scale of the fishery’s importance.
She reminded attendees that the Commission’s membership largely comprises Small Island Developing States (SIDS), whose economies are heavily reliant on tuna revenues. “The majority of our members are small island states and developing nations like the Philippines. Thus, it is vital that we set rules to govern and manage this fishery sustainably,” Dr. Tamate noted.
Throughout the week, Dr. Tamate revealed that the Commission will depend significantly on the work of its subsidiary bodies to provide critical recommendations for effective management. She pointed out that these groups have been active throughout the year and are integral to the decision-making process regarding tuna stock sustainability.
Despite the pressures of the task ahead, Dr. Tamate expressed confidence in the current health of tuna stocks and the WCPFC’s capacity to act effectively. “Currently, WCPFC stocks are at a healthy status, and it is important for us to maintain that level,” she affirmed.
A pressing priority this week is the adoption of a management strategy for South Pacific albacore, which has faced stalled discussions in previous years. “The top priority for the commission this week is to ensure we adopt a South Pacific albacore management procedure,” she stated, noting that work on this strategy began in 2017.
Dr. Tamate expressed optimism about collaborating with member nations to finalize this critical procedure, reinforcing the collective aim of promoting sustainability in the region’s tuna fisheries. This progression reflects a hopeful commitment to balancing economic needs and ecological stewardship, which is crucial not only for the Pacific nations but also for global tuna supply stability.
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