The Global Tuna Alliance (GTA) has made a significant appeal to governments ahead of the upcoming Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC22) meeting in Manila, urging support for a Pacific-led initiative aimed at securing the future of South Pacific albacore tuna. The alliance cautions that any delays in decision-making could lead to ongoing uncertainty and deteriorate trust in tuna management within the region, which is essential for the sustainability of these fisheries.
In a powerful message, the GTA highlighted the opportunity for WCPFC members to create a stable future for South Pacific albacore and set a precedent for science-based fisheries management across the Pacific through their initiative, “Anchor Albacore’s Future.” This initiative aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for decisive action regarding the albacore tuna, a species that has been experiencing fluctuating stock levels.
As global representatives gather in Manila in early December, discussions are expected to center on South Pacific albacore, a species currently facing significant instability. The Pacific Island nations, in collaboration with the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), have proposed a comprehensive Management Procedure (MP) and a new allocation measure designed to stabilize this critical fishery that is often characterized by “boom and bust” cycles.
The GTA’s call to support the FFA’s proposal is backed by 41 leading global retailers and suppliers, who emphasize the importance of creating a stable and predictable environment to foster market confidence and ensure resource access. This proposal entails establishing a robust, evidence-based long-term management framework, ensuring compliance with certification requirements, and demonstrating leadership through commitment to harvest strategies. Successful implementation of these measures aims to inspire confidence not only in the management of albacore but also in other tuna species and fisheries throughout the region.
As part of its goals for the 2025 WCPFC agenda, the GTA is urging the adoption of the full FFA management procedure for South Pacific albacore alongside establishing Target Reference Points for bigeye and yellowfin tuna. The alliance calls for improvements in labor standards for fishing crews, a push towards 100% observer coverage, the elimination of unmonitored high-seas transshipments, and strengthened measures for managing bycatch and Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD).
Highlighting current observer coverage levels, which stand at just 5%, the GTA argues that this is inadequate for generating accurate fisheries reporting and estimating bycatch. The alliance is advocating for ambitious targets that would achieve comprehensive observer coverage across all industrial tuna fisheries. They support the FFA’s proposal for specific observer coverage goals by 2027 and 2030, coupled with stricter regulations on transshipments that go unmonitored.
Additionally, the GTA has underscored the need for updated seabird mitigation strategies, particularly for sensitive habitats housing threatened species like the Antipodean albatross. They are advocating for regulations mandating that sharks be landed with their fins naturally attached, establishing science-based limits on the number of FADs, setting timelines for biodegradable FAD implementation, and improving tracking and recovery protocols.
With a shared interest among Pacific nations and market stakeholders, the GTA expresses optimism that WCPFC members can ensure a more stable future for South Pacific albacore. The alliance asserts, “The time to Anchor Albacore’s Future is now,” emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect this vital species and the communities that rely on sustainable fishery management.