The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) has approved a new management procedure aimed at reducing the overall catch of South Pacific albacore tuna by approximately 10 to 12 percent. This new regulation is expected to lower the catch to about 56,000 metric tons within the commission’s waters.
Designed to create a science-based framework for setting catch limits, the management procedure seeks to balance conservation efforts with the economic needs of local fishermen, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the tuna stock. Kitty Simonds, Executive Director of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC), expressed gratitude for the persistent support from the U.S. Pacific territories, noting that the procedure has been nearly ten years in the making.
The decision to reduce the catch is particularly significant for small island fleets, including those in American Samoa, which struggled with severe economic challenges in 2024. Simonds highlighted the importance of this measure in stabilizing the albacore fishery, which plays a crucial role in food security and the economies of these island communities.
The management procedure was finalized during the council’s 22nd regular session held in Manila on Friday. It addresses both the urgent need to manage albacore stocks and the criteria required to maintain the Marine Stewardship Council certification that allows American Samoa’s longline fishery to sell albacore to the local StarKist cannery at a premium price.
Nathan Ilaoa, a council member and director of the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, pointed out that with rising operational costs and declining catch rates, only fleets receiving substantial subsidies could continue to operate, which creates inequalities for smaller domestic fleets like that of American Samoa.
The economic vitality of South Pacific albacore tuna is essential not just for American Samoa’s economy but also for the food security of the region. Chelsa Muña, director of Guam’s Department of Agriculture, affirmed that the council’s decisions align with protecting the food security and economic stability of the islands.
As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance management strategies, the U.S. delegation, led by NOAA’s Drew Lawler, focused on advancing priorities for fisheries management, including the development of a bigeye tuna management procedure that takes into account the impacts of purse seine and longline fisheries. Additionally, the delegation is committed to adopting conservation measures regarding electronic monitoring in 2026.
This cooperative approach among U.S. and territorial delegations, marked by improved leadership and unity, presents a promising outlook for the future of fisheries management in the region.