Tuna Commission

Obstacles to improved safety of vital tuna boat observers

Observers, many of whom come from Pacific countries, play a vital but dangerous role collecting data on catch sizes, species taken and other marine creatures that get caught accidentally.

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency recommended several measures for deliberation at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission this week.

However late yesterday afternoon FFA Deputy Director General Wez Norris described it has a “fairly frustrating process of negotiations so far.”

Call from the top for Tuna Commission to save tuna stocks

Speaking at the opening of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission 13th annual meeting in Nadi Fiji yesterday, WCPFC Executive Director Feleti Teo said he hoped the Commission would find a way forward this week to lay the foundation for recovery plans of the bigeye tuna and Pacific Bluefin tuna.