TWO regional fisheries organisations have agreed on a unified position ahead of the annual Tuna Commission in December.
The management of South Pacific Albacore remained the central focus of Forum Fisheries Agency and Forum Fisheries Committee officials at the talks in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Other outcomes included proposed measures apply to all longline and troll fishing in waters south of 10° South latitude and aim to ensure equitable sharing of opportunities between national waters and the high seas.
These decisions will form part of their position at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, also known as the Tuna Commission.
FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop described 2025 as “the year of the albacore”, acknowledging the historic progress made through regional solidarity.
“Since our last meeting in Niue, we have achieved a milestone nearly three decades in the making — the agreement of Members on the Management Procedure and their commitment to finalise the Implementation Measure for South Pacific Albacore,’’ Pakop said.
“This is truly a historic outcome and a profound demonstration of Pacific solidarity, perseverance, and leadership.’’
The committee endorsed the submission for two complementary draft measures – the South Pacific Albacore Management Procedure (SPA MP) and its Implementing Conservation and Management Measures (CMM).
These measures represent two years of collaborative work by FFA Members to develop a science-based approach that determines how much albacore can be caught and how
Members reaffirmed the importance of Article 30 of the WCPF Convention, calling for an independent review of its implementation.
The review will assess how effectively the Commission recognises and supports SIDS’ special requirements, and whether new management measures place disproportionate burdens on developing states.