New science-based rules for South Pacific albacore, welcomed by the Global Tuna Alliance, bring vital stability to fleets, markets, and economies
The Global Tuna Alliance has welcomed a major shift in how South Pacific albacore will be governed, saying a new management measure adopted at this year’s WCPFC meeting will bring long-awaited stability for fleets, coastal economies and global markets.
Regional Leadership and Tense Negotiations
The proposal builds on years of work by Pacific Island nations through the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), reflecting regional leadership to secure predictable management that better supports domestic fleets and coastal communities.
Discussions throughout the week revealed deep differences between participants seeking higher catches to reduce short-term industry adjustment, and others emphasising the pressing need to address declining catch rates and safeguard the long-term viability of the fishery. Negotiations swung repeatedly between options, with no clear landing point for much of the meeting, before agreement was finally reached on the evening of the final day.
Economic Cornerstone and Survival
South Pacific albacore is a cornerstone of longline operations across the region, supplying domestic industries and major retailers internationally, including many GTA Partners. Until now, the absence of long-term rules has created fluctuating effort and commercial uncertainty, particularly for fleets operating from Pacific Island nations.
A representative from American Samoa spoke with the GTA, saying ”For American Samoa, South Pacific albacore is not merely a resource, it is a key component of the economic engine that powers our territory. With our tuna industry providing over 80% of our private sector jobs and fueling our local cannery, the decline in catch rates has become a matter of survival. Adopting the South Pacific Albacore Management Procedure here at the WCPFC22 is the best path to stabilize this fishery and rebuild our local fleet.”
For buyers, the decision strengthens confidence in sourcing strategies and supports alignment with certification and assurance programmes, which rely on evidence that management is consistent and science-based.
Focus Shifts to Implementation
Attention now turns to negotiating next year an accompanying ‘implementing measure’ that will operationalise the new management procedure. Several technical and structural questions, such as the interaction between High Seas and Exclusive Economic Zones will require detailed work and further cooperation between WCPFC members.
Dr Wetjens Dimmlich, representing the GTA at the meeting, said: “Adoption of the management procedure is a major milestone, but implementation will determine how quickly the benefits are felt on the water. The Global Tuna Alliance and its Partners will engage closely throughout 2026 to support work that delivers a clear, practical measure which maintains the integrity of the procedure and gives markets the certainty they need.”
The Global Tuna Alliance will continue working with buyers, governments and industry organisations to support predictable, science-based management across global tuna fisheries.
