By Pita Ligaiula in Manila, Philippines
Pacific countries most dependent on South Pacific albacore have delivered a clear message at WCPFC22 in Manila — this fishery is critical to their survival, and the Tuna Commission must act decisively to secure its future.
The South Pacific Group (SPG), a sub-regional coalition within the Forum Fisheries Agency (FF)A Membership, says South Pacific albacore underpins the economic viability of southern longline fisheries and the coastal communities that rely on them.
Formed under an MOU signed by Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, the SPG was created to strengthen cooperation on oceanic fisheries management, with South Pacific albacore as its top priority.
“All SPG countries depend heavily on South Pacific albacore for food security and trade, and our work focuses on the economic viability of the resource.
“At this year's Commission, the SPG, in collaboration with Australia and with the support of territories American Samoa, French Polynesia, and New Caledonia, is presenting various documents on the SPA fishery to the Commission to approve.
With the support of the wider FFA Membership, the SPG looks ahead to a brighter future for the South Pacific albacore, for the Pacific Islands and indeed the WCPFC and its members,” said Roseti Imo, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and SPG spokesperson.
Since 2023, the SPG has been driving major work on southern longline fisheries management — shaping sustainability measures, tabling technical proposals, and steering FFA’s collective position on South Pacific albacore.
Its efforts are anchored in the South Pacific Group Strategy 2023–2028, which aims to rebuild the fishery, strengthen economic returns, and deliver stronger governance for southern fisheries.
With WCPFC22 expected to decide on the long-delayed management procedure for South Pacific albacore late Friday, the SPG says the stakes are high — not just for the region but for the credibility of the Commission itself.
SPG Members: Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tonga (current Chair) and Vanuatu.
