A new management measure for South Pacific Albacore aims to provide long-awaited stability for fishing fleets, coastal economies, and global markets. The agreement was reached after intense discussions during the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) annual meeting held in Manila.
Pacific nations, through the Forum Fisheries Agency, have faced challenges for over five years in establishing predictable management practices that support domestic fleets and communities along the coast. Dr. Wetjens Dimmlich from the Global Tuna Alliance has welcomed the agreement as a significant milestone. “However, the true test lies in its implementation, which will dictate how swiftly the benefits are experienced on the water,” Dimmlich emphasized.
South Pacific Albacore are highly migratory fish that move with seasonal water temperature changes and are vital to the fisheries in Fiji, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Tonga, and Vanuatu. The week of negotiations highlighted stark differences among participants, with some advocating for increased catches to ease short-term adjustments in the industry, while others focused on the necessity of addressing declining catch rates to secure the long-term sustainability of the fishery.
This species is critical to longline operations across the region, supporting both domestic industries and major international retailers. The lack of long-term regulatory frameworks has led to inconsistent efforts and commercial uncertainty, particularly impacting fleets based in Pacific Island nations. A representative from American Samoa noted the importance of South Pacific Albacore to the territory’s economy, stating, “Our tuna industry accounts for over 80% of our private sector jobs and powers our local cannery; hence, the drop in catch rates is a survival issue.”
The representative also voiced optimism about the potential for stability in the fishery, saying, “Adopting the South Pacific Albacore Management Procedure during WCPFC22 is the best route to stabilize this fishery and rejuvenate our local fleet.” Looking ahead, the WCPFC plans to negotiate an implementing measure next year, which will put into action this new management procedure, ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from the long-term sustainability of South Pacific Albacore.