Climate redistribution of tuna may mean a loss of $60 million for Pacific by 2050
Koror(Seafood Source)- Pacific island countries could lose an estimated USD 60 million (EUR 54.5 million) in revenue annually due to the impacts of climate change on the tuna population within the next 30 years, according to Conservation International (CI). In a fact sheet produced by CI with the assistance of the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), modeling indicates increases in ocean temperature due to climate change will cause skipjack an
Tuna Commission ended with positive measures in place
Honolulu- The Western Central and Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) ended on a positive note with several measures that will ensure that tuna stocks continue to be in a healthy state, earning praise from the Pacific nations and environmental groups. On Friday night’s conclusion of the meeting, the 26-member WCPFC under the tutelage of outgoing chair Rhea Moss –Christian agreed to the adoption of the South Pacific albacore Interim Target Reference Point (TRP). South Pacific
FSM taps on technology for full tuna transparency by 2023
Hionolulu- The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is tapping into the latest high-tech surveillance technology to be its eyes on the vessels to monitor fishing activities in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), embarking on a commitment to Technology in Tuna Transparency Challenge. Eugene Pangelinan Executive Director of the FSM National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA), said FSM is making use of emerging technologies to further improve national fisheries adminis
New research reveals the secret life of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs)
Honolulu - Tons of plastic waste smashing into reefs, entanglement of vulnerable wildlife and long journeys across the Pacific are only part of the life of the tens of thousands of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) placed in the ocean every year by the tuna industry. Now the mysteries of FADs are starting to reveal themselves to a FAD tracking project being conducted by the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA). Photo by Pew Charitable Trust The PNA are eight Pacific Island cou
United States seeks increase in its tuna catch limit
Honolulu- The United States is seeking a higher catch limit for bigeye tuna by its Hawaii-based longline fishing fleet at the annual meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) taking place in Honolulu this week. The move comes as Pacific Island nations through their two main inter-governmental fishing agencies have made it clear they are not willing to increase the total bigeye catch in Pacific waters.In its proposal to the 26-member rule-setting
Outgoing Tuna Commission Chair calls for consideration of future generations
Honolulu, Hawaii- The outgoing chair of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) spoke from the heart as she called on nations responsible for managing half the world’s fisheries to consider future generations. Widely-respected Chair Rhea Moss-Christian, who is completing her 4-year term, told delegates from the Pacific and distant water fishing nations that it is their responsibility to ensure the sustainability of tuna stocks as they meet this week in Ho
Pacific tuna states to address human and drug trafficking threats
Honolulu, Hawaii- With the consumer market increasingly demanding to know their food is sourced ethically and sustainably the eight tuna-producing nations that are Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) have decided to address human and drug trafficking as part of their fisheries surveillance efforts. Tuna photo by Pew PNA CEO Ludwig Kumoru told reporters, ahead of the next week’s Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) annual meeting, that fisheries officials
Palau joins other Pacific Ministers for tough talks ahead of tuna meeting
Honolulu, Hawaii- Ministers from the eight Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) nations and Tokelau will be meeting here Friday to discuss measures promoting sustainable management of fish stocks in their waters. .Palau Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism Umiich Sengebau will attend the meeting, which is set on Friday, Dec. 7 (Saturday 8th Palau time).The powerful grouping- composed of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru
Oops, wrong catch
273 million sharks die a year due to wrong fishing tools Koror — Longline fishing vessels aim for tuna but they deploy miles of baited hooks that accidentally clinch sharks, among other unintended targets. A 2013 study by the Social Development Direct estimated that around 100 million sharks died in 2000 as a result of fishing, and 97 million in 2010. Making estimates for such huge areas of ocean is difficult so the study found shark deaths ranged between a possible low of 63
New Science Indicates Healthier Bigeye Tuna Stocks in Western and Central Pacific
Manila, Philippines- A newer method of assessing bigeye tuna stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean has resulted into a more positive appraisal of the population. Photo by Lisa Williams In 2014 the key scientists responsible for assessing the stock published new studies suggesting bigeye tuna stocks were down to 16 percent of the original population – a critical level. Now the same scientists have completed much more detailed studies which suggest bigeye tuna are at
