WWF commends the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission for the adoption of binding measures on crew labour standards at its 21st annual meeting.
A key development that will require WCPFC Member States to uphold their commitment to human rights and labour standards across tuna fisheries (WCPO), these standards could strengthen measures against IUU fishing, which might be associated with human rights abuses.
First RFMO to adopt Crew Labour Standards — setting a precedent for others
In 2016, WCPFC developed the Observer Safety and Security Measure, catalysed by a tragic incident of an observer found missing at sea while serving on a transshipment vessel in the Eastern Pacific. This earlier measure provided the groundwork for further discussions among member states. While progress has been slow, this year’s adoption of crew labour standards represents a significant step forward for all crew safety.
“Adopting the Crew Labour Standards is an acknowledgment of the humanity of crew working in challenging conditions around the world to bring seafood to our tables. We should celebrate the adoption of this critically important measure and commend the members that worked so tirelessly and diligently to make this measure a reality under the leadership of New Zealand and Indonesia,” said Bubba Cook, WCPO Tuna Manager for WWF, who was specifically mentioned by the Secretariat and several countries for spearheading efforts to bring these standards to fruition.
Member states agreed for the standard to enter into force only by 2028, instead of an earlier proposed deadline of 2026 as put forward by several countries, as well as Indonesian Migrant Workers Association (SBMI) and WWF.
“We note our disappointment on a prolonged implementation deadline. Thousands of crew member lives would be impacted – including many who will continue to experience abuse, some potentially losing their lives – which might be prevented through requirements in this measure. We encourage all members, in spite of the extended deadline, to implement these measures as quickly as possible as suggested by other delegations,” Cook continued.
Electronic Monitoring Minimum Standards adopted — agreement on implementation deadline must not be delayed
The WCPFC took the important step of adopting the interim Electronic Monitoring (EM) Minimum Standards. WWF welcomes this milestone, believing it will facilitate a much-needed increase in observer coverage on longline vessels from the current requirement of a wholly inadequate 5 percent coverage.
The interim EM standards will lay the foundation for advancing the use of EM technologies, such as camera monitoring, throughout the Pacific’s tuna fisheries. WWF looks forward to the determination of an agreed deadline for adopting and implementing standards and audits for EM under a defined workplan for 2025 – 2026.
Lack of transshipment reforms increases risk of ‘fish laundering’ and other trafficking and illicit activities
“At-sea transhipment not only facilitates “fish laundering”, but also other trafficking activities in items such as drugs and weapons. And because fishing vessels are able to stay out at sea for more than two years at a time, often there is a high risk of human and labour rights abuses,” said Cook.
Despite six years of efforts to strengthen measures and improve oversight, the WCPFC again failed to advance meaningful reforms to at-sea transhipment — often described as the “hub of the IUU wheel”, choosing to implement minor amendments that fail to improve monitoring and enforcement while recommending further work in 2025. Noting that transhipment reform efforts began in 2017, WWF calls on the WCPFC to commit to and implement meaningful transhipment reform by 2026.
Failure to adopt ‘Fins Naturally Attached” policy further endangers shark populations
WWF is deeply disappointed by the failure of the WCPFC to adopt a “Fins Naturally Attached” (FNA) policy as part of the revised Shark Conservation and Management Measure — a crucial measure needed to prevent illegal finning, improve species-specific data collection, and promote sustainable shark conservation.
Insistence on retaining “alternative measures” by some distant water fishing nations (DWFN) creates dangerously large loopholes that would allow shark finning to continue, exacerbating IUU fishing in these waters. More than twelve years have passed since this was first tabled, and the best science and evidence indicates that a fins naturally attached policy is the only way to adequately prevent shark finning.
“It’s time for member states to recognise the benefits of a FNA policy with no exceptions. WWF strongly believes this should be the focus of efforts as the best pathway to effectively improve shark conservation in the WCPO,” added Bubba Cook.
Harvest strategies for yellowfin tuna delayed once again – connectivity studies critical for informed decision-making
“It is frustrating that an earlier proposed harvest strategy for yellowfin tuna is once again delayed. It has been twelve years since the WCPFC first put forward the need for regionally- harmonised management procedures to ensure the sustainability of yellowfin tuna populations in this region – but we are still not there yet,” said Nilmawati Nilmawati, Policy Coordinator for the Sustainable Tuna Partnerships project, WWF Coral Triangle.
“We acknowledge that this is in part due to uncertainties regarding the yellowfin tuna stock, particularly in the waters surrounding Indonesia, the Philippines and Viet Nam. It is thus encouraging that WCPFC has approved a new study proposed by the three countries to investigate the movement and connectivity of yellowfin and skipjack tuna stocks between these waters and across the Western Central Pacific Ocean. We believe results from this study can strengthen the information needed for WCPFC to fulfill its commitment to a regional harvest strategy for yellowfin tuna,” said Nilmawati.
While there was progress on critical issues like the Crew Labour Standard and Electronic Monitoring Minimum standards, even those measures were significantly watered down by some members. WCPFC’s current consensus-based process, where a single country can refuse and block adoption of a measure despite strong majority support, severely limits its ability to make strides on strong measures necessary for sustainable and responsible tuna fisheries.
“The WCPFC, as a process and institution, needs to assess and upgrade its governance model or risk losing credibility. It’s time to consider decision models that uphold accountability and transparency, such as increased use of the voting model, instead of relying exclusively on consensus,” added Cook.
In many areas, the WCPFC has shown itself to be capable of making critical decisions for the common good of its members and for the future of tuna fisheries and the millions of people reliant on it. But, it must now overcome narrow interests and embrace bold, transparent reforms that prioritise sustainability, equity, and the long-term health of tuna stocks and marine ecosystems.
