By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
The economic outlook for Pacific tuna fisheries is at a critical juncture, as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) prepares for an important meeting in Manila next week. Chairperson Dr. Josie Tamate emphasized the urgent need for a delayed harvest strategy for South Pacific albacore, crucial for island nations seeking stability after years of economic turbulence.
In a recent interview with PACNEWS, Dr. Tamate highlighted that the management procedures for South Pacific albacore are essential not only for sustainable fishing practices but also for safeguarding the region’s annual tuna economy, which is valued at approximately $5.3 billion. The economic health of this fishery, despite the South Pacific albacore being biologically sound, poses significant challenges that require immediate attention.
“South Pacific Albacore is a vital fishery for southern Pacific Island groups. While we are reassured that the stock is healthy, the economic indicators present a worrying picture,” Dr. Tamate noted. She emphasized that previous WCPFC meetings have echoed the calls for restoration and improvements in catch rates, reinforcing that the new harvest strategy is aimed at instilling certainty and providing opportunities for economic resurgence within the fishery.
Domestic longline fleets in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and the Cook Islands heavily depend on albacore. Dr. Tamate acknowledged the solidarity among Pacific delegations leading up to the meeting, all of which have consistently advocated for economic revitalization within the fishery sector. The South Pacific Group, consisting of five members from the Fisheries Forum Agency (FFA), has taken a proactive stance on addressing these economic challenges both in internal discussions and at WCPFC assemblies.
As the Commission aims to finalize a harvest strategy initially set for last year, the urgency grows in the face of falling catch rates, increasing operational expenses, and competition from distant-water fishing fleets. Pacific governments have raised alarms that neglecting to adopt a robust albacore harvest strategy could jeopardize stability within the longline industry, deter investment, and diminish confidence in the Commission’s reform efforts.
Despite these pressures, Dr. Tamate remains hopeful that consensus can be reached, urging the Commission to deliver results after more than ten years of commitments. The focus of the upcoming meeting is crucial; it must prioritize restoring predictability and revitalizing the longline sector, which is essential for many small island economies.
As pressure mounts on the region’s longline fleets, the upcoming meeting in Manila will serve as a pivotal moment for the WCPFC to transform years of strategic planning into effective management solutions that not only protect tuna stocks but also preserve the economic lifelines they offer to Pacific nations.