Dr. Josie Tamate, Chair of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), opened WCPFC22 in Manila with a call for immediate and decisive action. She underscored that hesitation is not an option as the commission seeks to finalize the long-awaited management procedure for South Pacific albacore, a critical step in safeguarding tuna stocks that provide over half of the global tuna supply.
In a media briefing at the start of the conference, Dr. Tamate emphasized the significant role of the commission and the high expectations placed on Pacific nations regarding this week’s outcomes. “The key tuna stocks under our responsibility must remain sustainable. More than 50 percent of the tuna catch landed from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) contributes to the global tuna market,” she stated.
Dr. Tamate shed light on the far-reaching impacts of the tuna fishery, explaining that the economic well-being of many commission members, primarily Small Island Developing States (SIDS), heavily relies on tuna revenues. “The WCPO serves as a crucial platform to establish rules and conditions that govern and manage the fishery for sustainability,” she added, stressing the importance of collaboration among member nations.
While acknowledging the significant pressures faced during the conference, Dr. Tamate expressed her confidence in the current health of tuna stocks and the commission’s ability to take necessary action. “At this moment, the WCPFC stocks are healthy, and we aim to keep them at this level,” she declared.
A major topic of discussion will be the adoption of the management procedure for South Pacific albacore, which has encountered delays for several years and poses a significant economic concern for Pacific fishing fleets. “My top priority is to ensure that we adopt a South Pacific albacore management procedure,” Dr. Tamate said, highlighting that discussions regarding this strategy commenced in 2017. She remains optimistic about achieving consensus among members during this week’s meetings.
This dedication to the sustainable management of tuna stocks reflects a broader understanding of the critical role fisheries play in the economies of Pacific Island nations. As the commission convenes to tackle these pressing issues, there lies hopeful potential for establishing sustainable practices that could improve the fishing industry amid ongoing challenges.