The future of the $1 billion South Pacific albacore tuna industry is at a critical juncture as urgent negotiations are set to commence next week in Manila under the guidance of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). The PEW Charitable Trust has issued a stark warning about the imminent risks facing this vital fishery due to outdated management practices.
Senior Officers for International Fisheries at PEW, Dave Gershman and Glen Holmes, have highlighted the gravity of the situation, particularly following last year’s failure of the WCPFC to implement a Modern Management Procedure (MP) essential for maintaining access to key markets. They stressed that if this year’s negotiations also fail, the lucrative market for South Pacific albacore could face significant disruptions.
Consumer and buyer pressure for sustainable fishing practices adds to the urgency of the negotiations. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which offers an ecolabel to help fisheries access premium global markets, has set a definitive deadline of 2026. Without an adopted MP by that time, South Pacific albacore fisheries could lose their certification.
Gershman and Holmes warned that losing the MSC label could have severe financial consequences, particularly for small island developing nations in the Pacific that rely heavily on tuna revenue. An MP serves as a science-based harvest strategy that aims to prevent political disputes over annual catch limits. It allows fisheries managers to pre-determine how fishing levels adjust based on the health of tuna populations — raising limits when stocks are strong and reducing them when populations decline.
The momentum for adopting an MP has been gathering support, led by Pacific Island nations and Australia, with scientific evaluations completed for nearly 40 potential management procedures. The crucial next step is for fisheries managers to select one.
“The analysis is in place. The science is clear. The consequences of failing to act could be devastating for South Pacific communities,” Gershman and Holmes noted, appealing for immediate action from WCPFC managers. They emphasized the pressing need for decisive measures.
Given the high stakes involved, there is optimism that the upcoming discussions in Manila may lead to a more sustainable future for the South Pacific tuna fishery, safeguarding both marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of those dependent on this critical industry.