In a recent interview with PACNEWS in Manila, Dr. Josie Tamate, Chair of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to making its decisions grounded in science. This commitment comes as the commission faces the complexities of ensuring long-term sustainability for the region’s fisheries amid growing economic pressures affecting fishing nations.
Dr. Tamate underscored the WCPFC’s successful efforts in preserving the health of essential tuna species in the Western Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO), noting, “Decisions are based on science and evidence.” Her remarks come at a pivotal moment when Pacific countries, distant-water fishing nations (DWFNs), industry stakeholders, and NGOs are calling for the adoption of modern management tools. These tools include establishing robust harvest strategies and stricter regulations for high-seas transshipment, all designed to safeguard the region’s lucrative tuna fishery, valued in the billions.
Addressing rising concerns from environmental groups and major markets about potential risks to ecolabel certifications and market access, Dr. Tamate expressed her appreciation for the various stakeholder inputs, emphasizing the Commission’s attentiveness to diverse viewpoints.
During the ongoing WCPFC22, significant topics for discussion include the management of South Pacific albacore and the development of transshipment rules. Dr. Tamate highlighted the need for the Commission to advance in several critical areas to ensure a successful meeting. This includes tackling climate change, implementing Article 30 concerning Small Island Developing States (SIDS), enhancing seabird conservation measures, addressing data gaps, and determining a total allowable catch for bigeye tuna as part of the Harvest Strategy Work Plan.
The reference to Article 30 illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by SIDS, which argue against imposing new Commission measures that could inadvertently strain their economies, which heavily depend on tuna fishing. As WCPFC22 progresses, intensified negotiations are anticipated, focusing on establishing agreements related to harvest strategies and longstanding initiatives that are vital for ensuring the future sustainability of tuna fisheries in the region.
The WCPFC’s proactive stance, coupled with its willingness to address stakeholder concerns, creates a hopeful outlook for the sustainable management of tuna fisheries, aiming to create a balance between ecological imperatives and economic realities.