French Pacific territories have voiced strong opposition to proposals at the WCPFC22 conference in Manila, claiming that these measures could threaten their domestic albacore fisheries and contradict the obligations to protect Small Island Developing States (SIDS). French Polynesia spearheaded the criticism, emphasizing that the local communities are unable to handle the economic instability posed by one of the proposed harvest control rules.
Representatives from French Polynesia articulated the critical role of albacore fishing in their economy, stating, “Our fleets operate exclusively within our EEZ, and South Pacific albacore sustains not only fisheries but an entire value chain.” They highlighted that maintenance of vessels, shipbuilding, fish processing, and distribution are vital to thousands of households that depend on these jobs for their livelihoods.
Invoking Article 5 of the Convention, the delegation warned that any measures destabilizing their fragile economic situation would not fulfill the Convention’s requirements. They specifically called for the rejection of RCO 10, asserting that it would undermine the viability of their domestic fishery.
RCO 10 refers to one proposed harvest control rule for Southern Pacific albacore management currently under consideration. France expressed support for its territories, emphasizing the critical nature of the albacore stock for all three Pacific collectivities impacted by the negotiations. French officials noted that both French Polynesia and New Caledonia rely heavily on South Pacific albacore for their food security and expressed a preference for adopting a management procedure based on either HCR 7 or HCR 13, with HCR 7 being seen as the most viable compromise.
The Commission Chair reiterated that there would be no room for introducing new options during the negotiations, clarifying that the three main management procedures proposed do not include variations outside those already evaluated. There was a consensus among various delegations that strongly supported the adoption of HCR 7, including those who initially favored HCR 13.
New Caledonia echoed the sentiment that extensive scientific work had already been done to inform the decision. Their representatives asserted the need to make a definitive choice among the three harvest control rules, warning that opting for HCR 10 could impose an excessive burden on SIDS and participating territories.
With significant implications for local fleets, processors, workers, and regional economies, there is increasing pressure on WCPFC22 to reach a decision that effectively balances the need for stock protection with the well-being of the communities relying on it. The future of albacore fisheries represents both a challenge and an opportunity for sustainable development in the region, making the outcomes of these negotiations particularly crucial.