Members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) have successfully concluded their preparatory briefing in Manila, Philippines, ahead of the 22nd Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). Scheduled to occur from November 25 to 30, 2025, the meeting provided an opportunity for members to finalize their collective positions and craft a unified coordination strategy, emphasizing their key priorities.
During this vital preparation phase, FFA members engaged in bilateral discussions with leading fishing nations to advocate for their priorities, secure support for important proposals, and enhance collaborative efforts around shared fisheries interests. Furthermore, they held talks with the WCPFC Secretariat, which included WCPFC Chair Dr. Josie Tamate and Executive Director Rhea Moss-Christian, to ensure their positions were clearly articulated.
Poi Okesene, Chair of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) Officials, underscored the main priorities for FFA Members at the forthcoming Commission. Prominent among these is the advocacy for a Management Procedure and Implementation Measure specifically for South Pacific albacore. The members also aim for greater acknowledgment of Article 30 of the WCPFC Convention, which calls for climate-responsive fisheries management, while reinforcing transshipment and monitoring protocols and advancing efforts in bycatch mitigation.
As preparations continue for the Commission meeting set for December 1 to 5, 2025, there is a palpable sense of optimism. “The FFA Secretariat is pleased to support the Membership in the preparations for this year’s Commission, providing technical guidance and helping to advance key fisheries management priorities such as South Pacific albacore. We are confident in the work that has been done, and we wish our members every success as they take these priorities forward this week,” expressed FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop.
This cooperative endeavor among FFA members underscores a proactive stance on sustainable fisheries management within the region, showcasing their dedication to harmonizing economic goals with environmental conservation. The groundwork laid during this preparatory session is expected to significantly influence the outcomes of the upcoming WCPFC meeting, reaffirming the FFA’s commitment to the sustainable management of the region’s valuable marine resources.