The 10th meeting of the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC) will take place in Osaka, Japan, from April 14-17, 2026, where the Commission will consider management futures for its priority stocks. This meeting is a pivotal moment for the NPFC to advance the development of management procedures (MPs), also known as harvest strategies, which are essential for ensuring long-term sustainability. The NPFC should progress development of the Pacific saury MP and should take steps to initiate management strategy evaluation (MSE) processes for other priority stocks.
Seeing it through: the Pacific saury MP
The most recent Pacific saury stock assessment showed a slight increasing trend in stock size over the last five years, although the stock is still considered to be in poor condition. The stock is currently managed by an interim harvest control rule (HCR), which was adopted in 2024 and intended only to be a short-term management strategy. The Pacific saury measure calls for the development of an MSE-tested MP by the 2027 Commission meeting, but proposals this year from Japan and Korea suggest pushing this date back to 2028 due to concerns over stock assessment reliability. The proposals also propose reducing catch limits on Pacific saury due to low stock size.
The timeline for adopting the MP should not be delayed until 2028 – the Small Working Group on Management Strategy Evaluation for Pacific saury (SWG MSE PS) (the science-management dialogue (SMD) group created for the saury MSE process) has had three years to complete the technical framework, and disagreement amongst member governments on the acceptability of the stock assessment should not stall the MSE process. Rather, MSE allows for exploration of the effectiveness of multiple different management approaches, all of which are tested for robustness under key uncertainties. For example, if a single assessment model cannot be agreed upon for inclusion as the stock status indicator in the MP, MSE can test data-based or empirical MPs, where the estimation method relies on a simpler stock status indicator (e.g., catch per unit effort/CPUE index, abundance survey). The MSE process can therefore address members’ concerns about the assessment, making it that much more important to develop the full MP on schedule.
A proposal submitted by Taiwan suggests revising the Pacific saury interim HCR to extend stock rebuilding targets, noting concerns that the most recent stock assessment may be overly pessimistic as their fleets have seen recent increases in the CPUE of Pacific saury. This argument should be used with caution, as an increased CPUE index in a specific region does not necessarily imply increased health of the overall stock – it could reflect “hyperstability” in the index, a situation where the CPUE stays level or increases despite an overall decline in the stock. Hyperstability in CPUE indices can occur due to changes in the species distribution (i.e., aggregating to smaller, dense patches of favorable habitat) or increasing fishing efficiency, and misinterpretation of hyperstability has led to disastrous consequences in other fisheries (e.g., the collapse of the northern cod fishery). Additionally, re-opening and revising the interim HCR would divert SWG MSE PS technical capacity away from completing the full MSE, which is the tasking of the SWG. The Commission should recommend that the SWG MSE PS continue to focus on developing the MP for adoption on schedule next year rather than revise the interim HCR; any proposed revisions to the HCR should be evaluated as part of the full MSE.
Opportunities for other species: chub mackerel, sablefish, and squid
While not explicitly on the agenda for discussion, there are opportunities at NPFC to pursue MPs for other priority stocks. For chub mackerel, MP efforts are currently stalled due to resistance to begin a new MSE process before the MP for Pacific saury is completed. However, with an assessment completed and accepted last year, now is the perfect time to begin building an MSE for chub mackerel. The Commission should add language to the chub mackerel measure, which is slated to be revised in Osaka, tasking the NPFC Scientific Committee (SC) to begin MP development and consider funding an external expert to alleviate internal capacity burdens.The Commission agreed to similar language at last year’s Commission meeting, but it was ultimately omitted due to clerical errors; it must be re-added this year. As for sablefish, some exploratory MSE work is being conducted by Canada that should be considered at future intersessional meetings.
NPFC priority stocks also include two squid species – neon flying squid and Japanese flying squid. While there is no established workplan towards the development of an MP for either species, there is a recognized need for squid MPs that consider their short-lived nature and responsiveness to environmental conditions. Preliminary MSE modeling work for neon flying squid was conducted last year, and The Pew Charitable Trusts has now partnered with Blue Matter Science to develop MSE tools and MPs that are tailored to short-lived species such as squid using the openMSE platform. An introduction to the project was presented at the Small Scientific Committee for Neon Flying Squid (SSC NFS) in March 2026, and the work will be continually developed with the guidance of NPFC scientist input. This project provides free science and tool development that can be heavily shaped by the SSC NFS to meet their needs for either priority squid stock. The NPFC should therefore continue to follow and support this work, including encouraging member governments to collaborate with the project developers, to ensure the sustainable long-term management of these priority species.
Building efficient science-management dialogue
To alleviate capacity concerns and make progress on MP development for additional stocks, the Commission should consider the creation of a dedicated, overarching SMD group for MSE processes. Having one single group dedicated to reviewing and overseeing ongoing MSE efforts at NPFC would be a more effective use of NPFC time and personnel capacity than having a separate SWG for each stock (as has begun with the SWG MSE PS). There is an existing example of this framework at the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC); the IOTC Technical Committee on Management Procedures (TCMP) includes managers and stakeholders, promotes capacity building, and makes recommendations to the Commission regarding all MSE efforts that are under development at IOTC. Terms of reference (TORs) for a similar SMD at NPFC should be developed this year for approval by the SC in December 2026 and adoption by the Commission next year.
By taking these steps to solidify commitment to current and future MP development efforts using MSE, NPFC can lay the groundwork in Osaka for long-term responsible and adaptive management across all its priority stocks.
A decade worth of work and discussions on South Pacific albacore tuna (SPA) reached an important milestone at the 22nd Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) that was held in Manila, Philippines last December with the adopting of the management procedure (MP), also known as a harvest strategy.
The adoption of the MP at WCPFC22 was critical for two reasons. Firstly, the urgent need to improve catch per unit effort (CPUE) and provide stability. Secondly, the WCPFC’s credibility in terms of maintaining its commitment to establishing harvest strategies for the priority species in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO). The SPA MP was scheduled to be adopted in 2024, but this was not achieved. Whilst this may be deemed as a “failure,” all was not lost because the extra year of discussions in 2025 helped progress the discussions on some of the key elements of the MP, especially with respect to the harvest control rule (HCR).
One of the key aspects of the MP is the HCR. At the beginning of 2025, there were more than 30 possible HCRs for consideration. Other important decisions required include the area of application, the fisheries to be covered (i.e., longline and troll), and the level of catch to be assigned for the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) and north of 10°S, including the catch taken from the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of Tokelau and Tuvalu.
As the Chair of the WCPFC, my top priority for the WCPFC22 meeting in Manila was the adoption of the SPA MP. This was achieved on the afternoon of the last day of the meeting when the members reached an agreement of the HCR. This was an excellent achievement for the WCPFC and largely due to the strong efforts by the members to make difficult compromises to reach agreement.
The next critical step is the adoption of the implementing measure. A proposal was presented by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) membership at the WCPFC22 in Manila and will be a key document for the 2026 discussions. A dedicated workshop is scheduled to be held in June 2026, and this will be the first session of discussions on the SPA implementing measure within the WCPFC.
One of the key elements that the WCPFC will be discussing at the SPA workshop and subsequent discussions leading towards the 2026 WCPFC meeting is allocation. More specifically, discussions on how much of the total allowable catch is allocated for the high seas and how much for the EEZs of the coastal states.
Article 10.3 of the Convention lists the elements to be considered when developing the criteria for allocation, and it is anticipated that these will be discussed extensively during the upcoming workshop. I am confident that the WCPFC membership will draw from the success from Manila and will continue the work together to reach agreement and adopt the implementing measure for SPA in December.
Josie Tamate, a distinguished Niuean civil servant and the Chair of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), stands as a guiding force of leadership. Her journey, rooted in dedication, saw her appointed as the first Polynesian to helm the WCPFC, the governing body for the world’s largest tuna fishery. With a friendly face and a jovial smile, Josie brings warmth to her role, exemplifying the spirit of her island home.
Last year presented an opportunity to adopt a management procedure (MP) for Pacific bluefin tuna—the world’s most valuable fish. Doing so would have placed all four global bluefin stocks under MP-based management. Although the management strategy evaluation (MSE) provided a strong scientific foundation for selecting an MP, the parties were unable to reach consensus, and the decision was deferred to 2026.
We’re thrilled to report that deliberations resumed earlier this month in Newport Beach, California, USA, with significant progress toward adoption this year. Because Pacific bluefin tuna roam the 5,000+ miles across the Pacific, they are jointly managed by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Northern Committee via an aptly named group called the Joint Working Group (JWG). It was the JWG that met last week.
The number of key players is relatively small for an international fishery. Major fishing nations include Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan in the western Pacific and the United States and Mexico in the eastern Pacific. In Newport Beach, these parties worked constructively toward consensus on an MP aimed at securing the species’s hard-won recovery and ensuring a sustainable, abundant future for both the stock and the fishery.
Preliminarily coined the “Newport Beach Management Procedure,” the proposed model-based MP is a “hockey-stick” style harvest control rule (HCR). It includes a target fishing mortality rate of FSPR27.5% (i.e., the fishing level that would leave 27.5% of the unfished biomass per recruit in the water), and two control points: 20% of unfished biomass (SSBF=0) and the limit reference point of 7.7% of unfished biomass. 20%SSBF=0 corresponds to the species’s recently achieved rebuilding target, while 7.7%SSBF=0 was identified for tropical tunas as a threshold below which stock productivity could be impaired.
While agreement on these core MP elements marks a major milestone, several important details remain to be resolved when the JWG reconvenes in Nagasaki, Japan, July 8-11. Members will need to agree to the relative impact of the western and eastern Pacific fisheries, as well as measures to limit catches on the smallest juvenile fish, among other provisions. Nevertheless, the most complex negotiation—the agreement on the harvest control rule—has now been successfully completed.
If finalized this year, the adoption of an MP for Pacific bluefin tuna would represent a historic achievement in international fisheries management, completing the global transition of all bluefin stocks to science-based, pre-agreed management frameworks. Such an outcome would not only help safeguard the long-term health of the species, but also provide greater predictability and stability for the fisheries and communities that depend on it, demonstrating what is possible when nations collaborate around shared scientific goals. We urge JWG members to bring the collaborative atmosphere fostered in Newport to Nagasaki this summer.
While traditional international fisheries management is backed by scientific data, quota setting can often get bogged down in the mire of national interests and scientific uncertainty. This can lead to protracted negotiations and opaque rules, making it difficult for the industry to plan operations and for managers to effectively control risk. It is precisely because of these challenges that “management procedure” (MP) – also known as harvest strategies (HS)– have emerged to meet the moment.
“Harvest Strategies (HS) are like a modern fishing vessel; at first glance, they might seem complex and daunting! But once understood and familiarized, they can bring unprecedented efficiency and sustainability. From a scientist’s perspective, the most significant advantage of HS is that it not only copes with ocean uncertainty but also strikes a balance between multiple objectives, offering clear navigational rules. Although the learning curve for HS might be steep, I believe mastering this ‘ship’ will make our fisheries more resilient, steering us toward sustainable development.” — Dr. Shui-Kai Chang (Leading Scientist on HS from Taiwan)
The momentum is undeniable. As recently as 2021, 112 of the world’s major supply chain companies sent an open joint letter to delegations at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), demanding accelerated action to develop comprehensive HS for all tuna stocks. Moreover, in 2024, a Harvest Strategy 101 webinar organized by The Ocean Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts for supply chain partners attracted seafood stakeholders from Japan, Taiwan, Korea, China, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Last December at the annual commission meeting of Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), I witnessed the principles of HS move from webinars to the negotiation table, seeing firsthand how HS guides real-world decision-making
Completing the “Core”: How WCPFC22 Steered South Pacific Albacore Toward Sustainability
In December 2025, the 22nd commission meeting of the WCPFC convened in Manila, Philippines. From day one, voices ranging from the Chair and delegates to observer organizations unanimously signaled that the adoption of an MP for South Pacific albacore (SPA) would be the primary mission of the meeting. That is, they were committed to “completing the ‘core.”
“My top priority for this week’s meeting is the adoption of the South Pacific albacore management procedure. Agreement on SPA MP would demonstrate the Commission’s commitment to harvest strategies and the management of an economically important fishery.” — Dr. Josie M Tamate, Chair of WCPFC 22
“South Pacific albacore remains the highest priority for FFA Members at this meeting.” — Poimatagi Okesene, Chair of Forum Fisheries Committee (Forum Fisheries Agency, FFA)
During the opening session, key fishing members, including Korea and China, also showed support for the adoption of the MP for SPA.
“Korea also places strong emphasis on the harvest strategy agenda. WCPFC 22 should deliver a credible and implementable management procedure for South Pacific albacore, together with an effective implementing measure, and agree on an updated and realistic workplan for harvest strategies across key tuna stocks.” — Dr. Jong-jun Song, Acting Director General of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Korea
High Stakes, Hard Choices: The Push for Sustainability
The longline and troll fleets are the two primary groups of commercial vessels catching SPA in the South Pacific. In 2024, longliners represented 98% of the catch of SPA at 93,791 mt, . While only accounting for 2% of the overall SPA landings, troll fleets accounted for 54% of the 2024 catch in the southern area (south of X°S). By flag, China (29,732 mt) and Taiwan (known as Chinese Taipei in WCPFC; 11,016 mt) had the highest catch estimates of South Pacific albacore in 2024, representing over 50% of the total longline catch, followed by Fiji (8,436 mt), Kiribati (6,530 mt), and French Polynesia (5,066 mt) .
SPA is a lifeline not only for the economies of many Pacific Island countries but also for the fleets of key fishing nations. Take Taiwan as an example. As the member with the second-largest catch in the region, the livelihoods supported by hundreds of its vessels are heavily dependent on this fishery.
Given the high economic stakes, it came as no surprise that the path to a consensus was fraught with tension. Two key proposals regarding the MP and the Implementation Measure dominated the five-day discussion. The debate over the MP proposal focused primarily on selecting the ideal Harvest Control Rule (HCR), while the Implementation Measure faced heated discussion on the allocation of catch splits between exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and the high seas, which remained a primary concern for members including Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and many others.
To facilitate the discussion and help members build consensus over this critical issue, the work extended far beyond standard hours. After long, formal plenary sessions, participants stayed behind to share concerns and debate possible paths forward, often skipping dinner or eating late into the night. When bottlenecks emerged during these extra evening sessions, the negotiations spilled over into the margins, with delegates holding intense one-on-one discussions during lunch hours or coffee breaks.
Underpinning these grueling hours was the harsh reality facing the industry. Beyond the conference rooms, I witnessed the genuine struggles of the stakeholders involved. The Taiwanese industry, for instance, affirmed their support for sustainable fisheries management but highlighted a difficult truth – even the HCR offering the highest yield (catch) would still fall below their current catch levels due to an agreement to increase the population size to a higher target size to facilitate a more cost-efficient fishery. This reduction poses an immediate challenge to the livelihoods of the fishermen, and with future allocation decisions looming, many vessels fear they will be forced to terminate operations entirely.
Yet, recognizing that a stalemate would serve no one, the Commission pushed forward. Despite the limited time and the sheer volume of work at WCPFC 22, members prioritized the SPA MP. While there was considerable “push and pull,” with some members striving for an HCR that maximized catch, the group finally concluded at the selection of HCR 7 on the last day of the meeting. In a statement made on the final day, the representative of Taiwan acknowledged the painful trade-offs, noting that while tens of thousands of their fishermen depend on this fishery and would face further operation challenges regarding the 2026 allocation split, they would support the consensus. In the spirit of cooperation, they accepted HCR 7 to ensure the long-term viability of the stock.
Getting the SPA MP to where it is today was no easy task, as the entire process spanned several years, from the establishment of the MP workplan, multiple workshops, and intersessional groups, to bilateral discussions, and finally adoption at the Commission meeting in 2025. For me, attending my first WCPFC meeting as an observer from Taiwan was an eye-opening experience. I saw firsthand the heavy lifting required to bridge the gap between conservation goals and the economic realities of key stakeholders. The Representative of Samoa summarized this delicate balance perfectly, “The proposed South Pacific albacore Management Procedure and Implementing Measure offers a robust, science-based, and precautionary framework built through extensive consultation, modelling, and compromise, designed to maintain the stock at sustainable levels consistent with the agreed interim target reference point (iTRP) while safeguarding social and economic objectives across the region.”
Sitting in that room, I realized that the core concept of HS is not just about dry policy, but rather, it is really about ensuring stock stability to provide for long-term, sustainable, and stable fisheries for fleets from my country and coastal communities alike.
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Pei-Yun (Lisa) Tsai is a policy specialist with nearly a decade of experience shaping sustainable fisheries advocacy across East Asia. After six years as a Project Lead and campaigner at Greenpeace, where she coordinated multi-stakeholder coalitions and translated technical research into actionable campaigns on issues ranging from fisheries to chemical management, Pei-Yun transitioned to independent consulting. She now focuses on driving policy reform and corporate practice change within the distant water fishery sector, utilizing a holistic perspective to navigate complex political landscapes and foster collaboration between governments, industry associations, and NGOs.
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission’s (WCPFC) 2025 annual meeting wrapped last week in Manila with the successful adoption of a management procedure (MP), also known as a harvest strategy, for South Pacific albacore. The MP will manage the western and central Pacific (WCPO) longline and troll fisheries below the 10°S parallel, a huge win after many years of hard work on both the science and management sides. Catches of South Pacific albacore occurring between 10°S and the equator, approximately 12% of recent catches, will be managed under the bigeye tuna MP to be adopted next year (more detail below). While the South Pacific albacore stock is currently in a healthy state, the adopted, precautionary MP is an important step for the WCPFC as it will limit the risk of the stock falling into the danger zone in the future and ensure the long-term profitability of the fisheries targeting the stock.
Many WCPFC members have been advocating for an MP that maintains economic returns while ensuring stability for the fishery, as they have been concerned by a long-term decrease in fleets’ catch per unit effort (CPUE) that has decreased their economic viability. To address these concerns, the adopted MP will set a total allowable catch (TAC) for three-year management periods and limit the change in TAC between management periods to no more than 10 percent up or 5 percent down. In 2026, the MP will be run for the first time, setting the TAC for 2027-2029.
Looking forward to 2026, now that the South Pacific albacore MP has been adopted, the WCPFC plans to focus on developing strengthened controls on the water to ensure its implementation, as well as advancing MPs for other tuna species:
While the South Pacific albacore MP adoption was the major harvest strategy news for WCPFC in 2025, we hope 2026 will mark another pivotal year for sustainable tuna management in the region.
The ICCAT annual meeting wrapped up on Monday in Limassol, Cyprus. Management procedures (MPs) were the big winners of the meeting, with progress made on eight different stocks. This remarkable advancement affirmed ICCAT’s commitment to transitioning its management to MPs as a more science-based and transparent approach to achieving long-term sustainability for its $5.4 billion fisheries.
North Atlantic Swordfish: A Landmark Success
An MP was adopted for North Atlantic swordfish, marking ICCAT’s first MP for a non-tuna species. Twenty-five years ago, there was a boycott of North Atlantic swordfish, given its dire status. Today, the stock is fully recovered, and the new MP will lock in this abundance and ensure a vibrant fishery for years to come. The MP was also evaluated to ensure that it can be responsive to any negative impacts of climate change on swordfish abundance, ensuring a sustainable system even in a changing ocean.
The northern swordfish catch limit will increase by 12% next year, the first catch increase for swordfish since 2002. Importantly, the adopted MP is called “MCC,” which stands for “Mostly Constant Catch,” as it is designed to secure long-term stability in the fishery, which is good for business, both on fishing vessels and in seafood markets.
West Atlantic Skipjack: Significant Progress Despite Delay
While we had hoped an MP would be adopted for West Atlantic skipjack, ICCAT members decided that they needed a bit more information before selecting a specific MP. They, therefore, stopped just short of MP adoption, finalizing operational management objectives and giving clear guidance on how to put the finishing touches on the management strategy evaluation (MSE), the results of which will determine the MP to be adopted next November. This still remarks tremendous progress and is cause for celebration.
Forward Momentum for Other Important Stocks
ICCAT also agreed to interim management objectives for the other three tropical tunas – bigeye, yellowfin, and East Atlantic skipjack. The new measure contains important information to guide and reinvigorate the multispecies MSE underway for those stocks, calling for MP adoption in 2026. We note that the 50% probability of having each of the stocks not overfished and not subject to overfishing is a minimum standard for MP development, and we will work with ICCAT members to ensure that the likelihood is raised to at least 60% for the final MP. A coin flip’s chance of success is insufficient, especially given the number of livelihoods and coastal communities that depend on these stocks.
South Atlantic albacore and North and South Atlantic blue sharks round out the list of MP actions, with objectives agreed upon for the former and all three stocks added to ICCAT’s MSE workplan.
Charting a Sustainable Future
The outcomes of the Cyprus meeting reaffirm ICCAT’s leadership in global fisheries management. By adopting a new MP and providing guidance on MP development for 7 other stocks, ICCAT is charting a path toward more sustainable and resilient big fish fisheries. The Commission is well-positioned to secure the long-term health of these key resources and the communities that depend on them. The coming year will be pivotal as these initiatives take shape, and we at www.HarvestStrategies.org look forward to continuing to engage as a stakeholder in the process.
The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) made history last week by adopting harvest control rules for Adriatic sardines and anchovies, the first for this organization. Until now, the only international harvest strategy in the Mediterranean was the Atlantic bluefin tuna management procedure adopted by ICCAT.
Grantly Galland, a project director for The Pew Charitable Trusts’ international fisheries program, said:
“Sardines and anchovies in the Adriatic Sea are the first beneficiaries of a move to sustainable, science-based harvest strategies in the region. This week, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) adopted these new rules, which should prevent overfishing of these valuable fish populations. Given that over half the species managed by the Commission are overfished, this is an encouraging step, and the commitment to more harvest strategies in the future will help rebuild and maintain fisheries’ health over time.”
Pre-Agreed Catch Limits for Sardines
The first of the two harvest strategies applies to Adriatic sardines, a species critical to the region’s fishing industry and ecosystem. Under the new rule, pre-agreed catch limits will replace the need for annual quota negotiations. This state-of-the-art management approach aligns fishing activity with the boom and bust of sardine populations, helping to maintain a stable fishery that can be sustained over time. By reducing the uncertainty of year-to-year negotiations, GFCM is helping prevent overfishing and ensuring a more consistent supply, benefiting both fish populations and the fishers who rely on them.
Anchovy-Specific Harvest Strategy
In parallel, GFCM has also implemented a harvest strategy tailored explicitly for anchovies. This pre-set catch limit will similarly protect anchovy populations from the pressures of overfishing, ensuring that catch levels remain within sustainable bounds. Anchovies, like sardines, are an essential species both ecologically and economically for the region, and this modern management approach provides the framework needed to support their recovery and long-term health. By putting science at the forefront of decision-making, GFCM is paving the way for resilient fishery management that secures the future of anchovy stocks in the Adriatic.
A Positive Step for the Future of the Mediterranean
Sardines and anchovies in the Adriatic are now at the forefront of sustainable fisheries management, setting a new standard for GFCM’s commitment to implementing harvest strategies across the Mediterranean. These newly adopted HCRs mark a significant advance but will require additional agreements on data inputs and assessment methods to evolve into a fully operational and robust harvest strategy. There’s still work to be done, and these initial steps are expected to spark a ripple effect that benefits both biodiversity and the fishing economy in the region.
With these measures, the GFCM demonstrates its dedication to science-based fisheries management, inspiring similar actions in other Mediterranean fisheries. Blackspot seabream is next on the list for GFCM’s harvest strategy development, showing that this progress for sardines and anchovies is just the beginning. By adopting these HCRs, the commission is paving a path to restore the Adriatic’s marine ecosystem and secure a resilient future for this vital fishing region.
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) annual meeting in Suva, Fiji, presents an opportunity to tackle critical fisheries issues impacting the region. From tuna to swordfish, Pacific fisheries are vital resources, providing food security, economic support, and cultural value to numerous island communities and nations. However, these fisheries face significant challenges with pressures from declining catch rates, climate impacts, and competing economic demands. This year’s meeting could be a turning point, as WCPFC members are set to discuss and potentially adopt management measures that can secure a sustainable future for key stocks, including South Pacific albacore, bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack tunas.
To meet these challenges, the WCPFC must adopt modern management procedures to reinforce scientific collaboration and establish support structures for ongoing development. Taking action on these fronts will ensure that fisheries across the Western and Central Pacific are resilient and sustainable for future generations.
A Management Procedure for South Pacific Albacore
The South Pacific Group and Australia have proposed an interim management procedure (MP) for the South Pacific albacore fishery, which has undergone extensive testing through management strategy evaluation (MSE). Adopting this MP would mark a significant step forward in modernizing fisheries management in the region, securing a sustainable future for this economically and culturally important stock.
Implementation Through a New Conservation and Management Measure
To realize the benefits of the MP, the WCPFC must commit to developing a new conservation and management measure that will be implemented. This concept from the South Pacific Group is proposed to be further developed with a target of being adopted in 2025 so the MP can be implemented from 2026 onward. By committing to this measure, the WCPFC will ensure that the MP’s objectives are upheld across the entire Convention Area, providing consistent management that can respond to changing environmental and economic conditions.
Building Regional Cooperation with a Joint Working Group
South Pacific albacore is a shared resource, and effective management requires cooperation. The United States has proposed establishing a joint South Pacific albacore working group with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). This group would enable WCPFC and IATTC to coordinate efforts, share data, and implement aligned management approaches. Establishing this joint working group in 2025 would enhance the region’s capacity to sustainably manage a fishery that spans both Convention Areas, ensuring a cohesive approach that benefits all stakeholders. The South Pacific albacore MSE already accounts for mortality in the eastern Pacific, so it should not preclude the adoption of an MP for the stock at WCPFC this year.
Strengthening Regional Fisheries Management Across Other Key Stocks
Beyond the South Pacific albacore, the WCPFC has a broader responsibility to adopt modern, science-based management for other critical stocks. During this year’s meeting, the Commission should prioritize the following actions:
A Pivotal Moment for Regional Fisheries
The WCPFC’s annual meeting in Suva presents a vital opportunity to set the course for sustainable fisheries management in the Pacific. By adopting the proposed MP for South Pacific albacore, advancing other management measures, and establishing permanent support structures like the SMD Group, the Commission can protect the region’s valuable fish stocks and support the communities that depend on them. Now is the time for decisive action, collaboration, and commitment to a sustainable future for Pacific fisheries.