The Executive Director of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), Dr. Rhea Moss-Christian, delivered a crucial address during this week’s WCPFC22 session in Manila, highlighting the urgent global challenges facing fisheries governance. In a recent media briefing, she underscored the need for the resolutions developed during the session to adequately tackle these pressing issues.
Dr. Moss-Christian painted a stark picture of the Pacific fisheries scenario as it confronts significant threats from climate change, deep-sea mining, and the intricacies of international ocean negotiations. She pointed out that the focus on ocean health is at an unprecedented level globally, with notable events including the UN Oceans Conference, which set forth a new action plan, and COP31, where ocean-related discussions took center stage. “WCPFC occupies a very important and unique position within that global ecosystem of oceans governance,” she noted, affirming the commission’s pivotal role amid these challenges.
Managing tuna stocks, she insisted, cannot be an isolated effort; a broader perspective on ocean health is crucial. Dr. Moss-Christian called for the Commission to acknowledge the interdependence of various ocean-related activities affecting the region. Leveraging WCPFC’s extensive scientific data, she pointed out, is essential for promoting long-term fisheries security. The Commission’s third decade presents a critical opportunity to utilize collected data on fishing activities and stock health to ensure future sustainability. Effective harvest strategies, she stressed, are vital for this objective.
Reflecting on the historical significance of past meetings in Manila, Dr. Moss-Christian expressed hope for enhanced cooperation among its members, recalling that Manila was the setting for significant decisions, including a major revision of the tropical tuna measure in 2017. She humorously noted, “We hope to avoid similar late-night discussions as we had that year.”
While Dr. Moss-Christian remained optimistic about the dynamic environment of the ongoing meeting, she acknowledged the likely challenges ahead. “We have tough negotiations ahead, but the conducive environment and spirit of hospitality here in Manila provide an encouraging start for us,” she concluded.
The discussions at WCPFC22 signify a vital turning point for tuna fisheries management and reflect a broader commitment to ocean health, instilling hope for enhanced collaborative efforts to address urgent environmental challenges. Through continued engagement and decisive actions, the Commission can pave the way for more sustainable fisheries practices, ultimately supporting the long-term viability of crucial marine resources.