The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has issued a crucial warning as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC22) prepares to convene in Manila, stressing that without reliable monitoring on the water, efforts to safeguard tuna stocks and protect endangered marine species are at risk. TNC emphasized that effective oversight is essential for creating transparent supply chains that meet the expectations of global markets.
In its communication to the Commission, TNC pointed out that inadequate monitoring significantly impedes sustainable management of tuna populations and the conservation of associated marine species. The organization highlighted how this lack of oversight obstructs the establishment of trustworthy supply chains for consumers.
TNC is advocating for monitoring reforms at WCPFC22, particularly the integration of electronic monitoring (EM) data for compliance and extending monitoring coverage for longline fishing vessels. A notable initiative, the Tuna Transparency Pledge (TTP), aims to enhance transparency in the tuna industry and has garnered support from nations responsible for over 15 percent of the global tuna catch, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Palau, and Panama. Additionally, major retailers and processors such as Walmart, Carrefour, Thai Union, and Aramark have joined this pledge.
The TNC is determined to expedite the implementation of on-the-water monitoring, targeting complete monitoring coverage for industrial tuna vessels by 2027. It is working closely with Pacific Island fisheries authorities and regional partners to promote and expand EM programs within several fishing sectors.
At WCPFC22, TNC aims to achieve five primary outcomes: the adoption of EM data for monitoring fishing activities, increasing longline monitoring to 20 percent with aspirations for full coverage, enhancing seabird conservation strategies, improving management of fish aggregating devices (FADs) including biodegradable alternatives, and enforcing stricter transshipment regulations.
The organization has recently formed partnerships, including a significant $2 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund to enhance the use of edge-AI tools that rapidly analyze EM footage. TNC’s commitment to take an active role at WCPFC22 underscores its interest in collaborating with all stakeholders to support sustainable fisheries management.
TNC asserts that significant progress in monitoring and transparency is essential for the long-term health of tuna fisheries and the communities that depend on them. This proactive stance represents a hopeful outlook for the advancement of sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation efforts in the Pacific region.