Australia and the Pacific Community (SPC) are calling for an urgent revision of the harvest strategy timetable set by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). This initiative was presented in a joint document during the recent WCPFC22 meeting in Manila, where both entities underscored the need for a more effective scheduling approach to avoid delays and ensure the proper management of vital tuna stocks.
The research document details several challenges that extend beyond the current harvest strategy workplan, including overlapping timelines and increasing pressures from technical workloads. A particularly alarming point raised is the forecasted backlog of essential decisions anticipated in 2026, which could significantly impede the Commission’s operations.
A central recommendation from Australia and SPC is to adopt a holistic approach to managing harvest strategies for the three primary tropical tuna stocks: skipjack, bigeye, and yellowfin. This strategy aims to align management procedures with the Tropical Tuna Measure, allowing for smoother and synchronized outputs.
To aid in this alignment, Australia and SPC propose two pivotal adjustments. Firstly, they recommend extending the management procedure cycle for skipjack tuna from three years to four, synchronized with the implementation of the bigeye management procedure in 2027. Secondly, they advise postponing the comprehensive review of the Tropical Tuna Measure from 2026 to 2027, which would lessen the pressure on the Commission and its subsidiary groups.
Support for extending the skipjack management cycle was previously voiced by the 21st Scientific Committee meeting of the WCPFC. They highlighted the stability of stock indicators and the effectiveness of existing management strategies, stating that only minor adjustments to the current Conservation and Management Measures would be necessary.
Despite these proposed updates, conservation advocates are raising alarms about the critical nature of the current situation. Uematsu Shuhei from WWF Japan emphasized that the next year is crucial for the management of both bigeye and yellowfin tuna, warning that any delays in finalizing the Harvest Strategy could jeopardize sustainable fisheries and threaten future market stability.
The ongoing discussions regarding the Southern Albacore are already consuming considerable time, creating concerns that the usual five-day annual session of the Commission may not be sufficient to address the extensive agenda. To ensure thorough stakeholder engagement and consensus on harvest strategies for these key tuna species, WWF is advocating for at least two additional hybrid meetings before WCPFC23.
As the WCPFC stands at this critical crossroads, the need to reassess and improve its harvest strategy timetable is evident. Stakeholders agree that proactive actions are essential to preserve the health of tuna stocks and ensure the sustainability of fisheries for years to come. This concerted effort could result in a more resilient and productive fishing environment, benefiting both the ecosystem and the communities that depend on these resources.