SPC: Pacific Tuna Fisheries Could Face Collapse In 25 Years ff

Full below text from press release by SPC - Secretariat of the Pacific Communities

A major study of the future of pacific island fisheries indicates that, without concerted strategic action now, fisheries across the region face collapse within the next 25 years. This would have severe economic consequences and would make food security impossible in an area where the population is estimated to grow by 50 per cent by 2035.

The study, The Future of Pacific Fisheries, includes oceanic, coastal, aquaculture and freshwater fishery sectors. It has been presented for endorsement to the Committee of Representatives of Governments and Administrations.(CRGA) by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).

The main threats are seen as seeds that if left unchecked will become major problems affecting the entire region in years to come. They include signs of overfishing of offshore resources with stocks of bigeye tuna being harvested beyond maximum sustainable levels and yellowfin tuna fishing reaching dangerous levels. Coupled with this are increasing pressures from foreign fishing fleets seeking access to Pacific island communities and territories (PICT) waters.

Meanwhile, coastal fisheries are already mature and largely overexploited. Aquaculture is suffering from a lack of competitiveness, skills, market access and incentives with more than 95 per cent concentrated in just two areas. And fisheries agencies at national and regional level need to adapt in order to face the growing complexity of fisheries management. They currently lack the skills and organisation to co-ordinate policy and ensure the development of sustainable fisheries to feed and support future generations.

The study identifies both threats and opportunities, develops scenarios for the future and recommends seven key objectives:

• Reform and build fisheries agencies for better services;
• Maximise long-term national benefits from offshore resources;
• Sustain coastal communities;
• Feed our growing populations;
• Support private sector winners;
• Provide committed support from the top (leadership); and
• Measure and monitor changes.

 Among various opportunities highlighted within the study, is the scope to increase economic benefits to PICTs by increasing the share of catch taken by local and locally based vessels and processing the fish within the region.

Says Dr Jimmie Rodgers, Director-General of the SPC, “It is essential that we have strong political commitment to redress the problems detailed in the report. We need regional solidarity among PICTs to mitigate the challenges and to take advantage of the opportunities. Stronger solidarity and improved fisheries management will help us prevent unsustainable fishing by foreign fleets and ensure we can use resources collectively to gain economic control.”