Dr. Josie Tamate, Chair of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), delivered an important message to Pacific communities during the ongoing negotiations in Manila, underscoring the Commission’s dedication to the preservation of tuna stocks and the various species that depend on them. In an interview with PACNEWS, she emphasized that the Commission’s initiatives are rooted in scientific research and are driven by a commitment to long-term sustainability.
“The Commission is actively working to ensure that the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) maintains healthy populations of key tuna species,” Dr. Tamate remarked, stressing that its responsibilities extend beyond tuna to include the overall marine ecosystem. “We are continuously addressing the impacts of fishing on non-target species such as seabirds, sea turtles, and cetaceans,” she added.
Pacific Island economies heavily depend on tuna for both revenue and food security, leading local communities to seek assurances from their leaders amidst discussions surrounding harvest strategies, high-seas transshipment practices, climate-related risks, and compliance challenges.
Dr. Tamate reaffirmed that the Commission operates on a clear guiding principle: “Our work is ongoing, and decisions are based on sound science. Our ultimate goal is to sustain the health of the fishery. It is preferable to maintain populations rather than face a scenario where we must rebuild following a collapse of fish stocks.”
As the WCPFC22 meetings progress this week, member nations are under pressure to reach agreements on critical measures that will affect the future of the region’s multi-billion-dollar tuna industry. The results of these negotiations are pivotal not only for ecological integrity but also for the economic stability of communities dependent on tuna fishing. The proactive strategy adopted by the Commission aims to secure a sustainable future for both marine species and the communities that rely on them, fostering hope for a balanced relationship between ecological preservation and economic needs.