The Global Tuna Alliance (GTA) is calling on governments to support a Pacific-driven initiative aimed at ensuring the future of South Pacific albacore ahead of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC22) meeting in Manila. The alliance warns that delays in decision-making could extend uncertainty and erode trust in the region’s tuna management, which is crucial for the sustainability of fisheries.
In a compelling message, the GTA emphasized that WCPFC members have a unique opportunity to establish a reliable future for South Pacific albacore and to set a standard for science-based fisheries management across the Pacific. Through their initiative, “Anchor Albacore’s Future,” the alliance is raising awareness of the immediate need for action on this pressing issue.
With governments from around the globe convening in Manila in early December, the discussions are expected to foreground South Pacific albacore—a species that has faced volatility in its stocks. The Pacific Island nations, collaborating through the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), have proposed a comprehensive Management Procedure (MP) and a new allocation measure aimed at stabilizing this fishery, which has been described as undergoing “boom and bust” cycles.
The GTA’s call for support for the FFA’s plan is reinforced by the alliance’s partners, which include 41 leading global retailers and suppliers. They underscore the necessity of stability and predictability in order to maintain market confidence and ensure access to resources.
The FFA’s proposal includes several key elements: the establishment of a stable, evidence-based long-term framework to support investment, the protection of trust through compliance with certification requirements, and the demonstration of leadership by delivering on harvest strategy commitments. Successful implementation would also inspire confidence in the management of other tuna species and fisheries across the region.
As part of its 2025 WCPFC agenda, the GTA is urging members to adopt the full FFA management procedure for South Pacific albacore, establish Target Reference Points for bigeye and yellowfin tuna, improve labor standards for fishing crews, mandate progress towards 100% observer coverage, eliminate unmonitored high-seas transshipment, and strengthen measures for bycatch and Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) management.
The alliance points out that the current observer coverage of at least 5% is insufficient for accurate reporting and bycatch estimates. Therefore, the GTA advocates for an incrementally ambitious target of achieving 100% coverage across all industrial tuna fisheries. They are also endorsing the FFA’s proposal to include specific observer coverage goals by 2027 and 2030, as well as stricter regulations on unmonitored transshipments.
The GTA has highlighted the need for updated seabird mitigation strategies, particularly in critical areas that are home to threatened species like the Antipodean albatross. They are also advocating for rules requiring sharks to be landed with fins naturally attached, science-based limits on FAD numbers, a timeline for biodegradable FADs, and improved tracking and recovery measures.
With the alignment of interests between Pacific nations and market players, the GTA expresses confidence that WCPFC members can secure a more stable future for South Pacific albacore. The alliance emphasizes, “The time to Anchor Albacore’s Future is now,” urging action to safeguard both the species and the livelihoods that depend on healthy fishery management.