The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) has sanctioned a new management procedure aimed at decreasing the total catch of South Pacific albacore tuna by approximately 10 to 12 percent, targeting a limit of around 56,000 metric tons within its operational waters. This regulation is part of a science-based framework designed to establish catch limits while balancing conservation efforts with the economic viability of local fishers, promoting the long-term sustainability of the tuna stock.
Kitty Simonds, Executive Director of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC), expressed appreciation for the sustained support from U.S. Pacific territories, emphasizing that this procedure has been nearly a decade in development. The decision to implement this reduction is especially impactful for small island fleets, including those in American Samoa, which faced significant economic hardships in 2024. Simonds underscored the critical role of this measure in stabilizing the albacore fishery, which is vital for food security and economic resilience in these island communities.
The finalized management procedure emerged during the council’s 22nd regular session in Manila. It addresses the urgent need for effective albacore stock management while fulfilling the requirements necessary to maintain the Marine Stewardship Council certification, which enables American Samoa’s longline fishery to market albacore at a premium price to the local StarKist cannery.
Nathan Ilaoa, a council member and director of the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, highlighted the challenges facing fleets amidst rising operational costs and declining catch rates. He noted that only those fleets receiving significant subsidies could sustain operations, creating disparities for smaller domestic fleets like that of American Samoa.
The economic significance of South Pacific albacore tuna extends beyond American Samoa, impacting regional food security as well. Chelsa Muña, director of Guam’s Department of Agriculture, reinforced that the council’s decisions support the overarching goals of protecting food security and ensuring economic stability for island nations.
In alignment with these efforts, the U.S. delegation, led by NOAA’s Drew Lawler, is also focused on advancing fisheries management priorities, including the development of a bigeye tuna management procedure that considers the effects of both purse seine and longline fisheries. Additionally, there is a commitment to implementing conservation measures related to electronic monitoring by 2026.
This collaborative approach among U.S. and territorial delegations signifies an encouraging direction for the future of fisheries management in the region, underscoring a shared dedication to sustainability, economic resilience, and food security for island communities.