By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Chair Dr Josie Tamate has delivered a clear message to Pacific communities watching this week’s Manila negotiations that the Commission is focused on keeping tuna stocks healthy and safeguarding the species that rely on them.
Speaking to PACNEWS in Manila, Dr Tamate said the Tuna Commission’s work remains anchored in science and long-term responsibility.
“That the Commission is working diligently to ensure the WCPO continue to sustain the healthy status of the key tuna species,” she said.
She also stressed that the Commission’s mandate extends beyond tuna to the wider marine ecosystem.
“That the Commission continues to mitigate the impact of fishing on the non targeted species such as sea birds, sea turtles, cetaceans etc,” Dr Tamate said.
With Pacific Island economies heavily dependent on tuna revenue and food security, communities have been pressing leaders for reassurance as debates intensify over harvest strategies, high-seas transshipment, climate risks and compliance gaps.
Dr Tamate said the Commission’s guiding principle is simple.
“That the work of the Commission is ongoing and decisions are based on science. The ultimate goal is to sustain the healthy status of the fishery.
It is better to maintain rather than re-build when and if a fish stock collapses,” she told PACNEWS
WCPFC22 continues this week, with members under pressure to reach agreement on key measures that will shape the future of the region’s multi-billion-dollar tuna fishery.
