By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
Dr. Josie Tamate, Chair of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), emphasizes the Commission’s commitment to grounding all its decisions in science, as members confront the dual challenges of ensuring long-term sustainability amid increasing economic pressures on fishing nations. In a recent interview with PACNEWS in Manila, Dr. Tamate highlighted the Commission’s successful track record in maintaining the health of key tuna species in the Western Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO), stating, “Decisions are based on science and evidence.”
Her comments come at a crucial time as Pacific countries, distant-water fishing nations (DWFNs), industry stakeholders, and NGOs urge the Commission to embrace modern management tools. These tools range from implementing robust harvest strategies to establishing stricter high-seas transshipment regulations, all aimed at protecting the region’s valuable tuna fishery, which is worth billions.
Given the rising concerns among environmental groups and major markets regarding the potential risks to ecolabel certifications and market access, Dr. Tamate acknowledged these apprehensions. She values the input from observers, affirming that the Commission is attentive to various perspectives.
Among the topics slated for discussion at the ongoing WCPFC22 is the management of South Pacific albacore and the creation of transshipment rules. Dr. Tamate stressed the necessity for the Commission to make advancements across several critical areas to ensure the meeting’s success. These key areas include addressing climate change, implementing Article 30 on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) requirements, improving seabird conservation efforts, rectifying data gaps, and developing a total allowable catch for bigeye tuna, which is the next focus within the Harvest Strategy Work Plan.
The mention of Article 30 highlights ongoing frustrations from SIDS, which assert that new Commission measures should not unfairly burden economic conditions heavily reliant on tuna. As WCPFC22 continues in Manila, negotiations are expected to escalate, aiming for agreements on harvest strategies and other longstanding initiatives that hold significant importance for the future of tuna sustainability in the region.
The proactive approach of the WCPFC, alongside its responsiveness to stakeholder concerns, fosters hope for the sustainable management of tuna fisheries, balancing ecological needs with economic realities.