During the recent WCPFC22 meeting in Manila, representatives from Pacific nations underscored the critical importance of the South Pacific albacore fishery to their economies and communities. This coalition, known as the South Pacific Group (SPG), which operates under the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), has made an impassioned plea to the Tuna Commission for decisive actions to secure the fishery’s future.
The SPG, comprising nations such as the Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu, emphasizes that South Pacific albacore is essential not just for economic sustainability but also for food security across these nations. Roseti Imo, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, expressed the collective commitment of the SPG countries to the viability of this vital resource, stating, “Every SPG country heavily relies on South Pacific albacore for food security and trade.”
Collaborative efforts among the SPG and support from regional entities, including Australia, American Samoa, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia, have led to the submission of several documents aimed at the approval of management protocols for the South Pacific albacore fishery. The SPG has taken a proactive approach since the start of 2023, focusing on sustainability measures, technical initiatives, and a unified stance on this fishery, as outlined in their strategic plan for 2023-2028.
As the WCPFC22 conference moves towards making critical decisions concerning the management of South Pacific albacore, the SPG is clear that the stakes extend beyond regional interests—they touch on the credibility of the Tuna Commission itself. The collective voices of the SPG members, advocating for a sustainable and prosperous future around the South Pacific albacore, reflect a unified vision for both the fishing industry and the communities that rely heavily on it.