In early December, governments from across the world will meet in Manila for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) — the body that sets the rules for tuna fishing across half the planet, deciding on quotas, management plans and measures that affect fleets, island economies and global supply chains.
One of the key decisions on the agenda this year is South Pacific albacore.
After years of technical work and negotiation, Pacific Island nations (through the Forum Fisheries Agency, FFA) have brought forward a comprehensive, science-based proposal: a Management Procedure (MP) and allocation measure. Together, they offer a practical path to long-term stability for the fishery.
Today, South Pacific albacore remains a healthy stock, but the fishery that depends on it isn’t. It’s caught in a boom and bust cycle where each boom is lower, and each bust is deeper. A tested Management Procedure, backed by agreed reference points, harvest control rules and an associated allocation measure, would replace this uncertainty with a credible, transparent framework.
GTA partners, including 41 leading retailers and suppliers across the world, have voiced support for WCPFC Members to adopt the FFA’s robust, science-based approach. Their message is consistent: stability and predictability are essential for ongoing market confidence and access.
Through “Anchor Albacore’s Future”, we’re highlighting why adoption matters now.
🟢 Provide predictability: A stable, evidence-based long-term framework supports planning and investment.
🟢 Protect trust: Adoption aligns with certification requirements, supporting continued market access.
🟢 Show leadership: It demonstrates the WCPFC’s ability to deliver on its harvest strategy commitments.
🟢 Build momentum: A successful outcome here strengthens confidence for other tuna species and fisheries to follow.
Delaying action would prolong uncertainty, weaken trust in the Commission’s harvest strategy commitments and increase risk for markets that rely on stable, well-managed fisheries.
That’s why we’re launching Anchor Albacore’s Future: to support this Pacific-led proposal and help show why adoption at WCPFC22 is so important for long-term stability.
With alignment from the region and the market, members have a rare opportunity to secure a predictable future for South Pacific albacore and set a benchmark for science-based management across the Pacific.
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Read our full position statement here.
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