Cook Islands is hosting the 20th regular session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC20), which oversees the world’s largest tuna fisheries, this week.

The opening ceremony was held yesterday morning at Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium), attended by hundreds of delegates from 41 WCPFC member countries.

These countries encompass small island developing states, developed fishing nations, and participating territories, all united to deliberate on the sustainable management of tuna and its related species in the world’s largest ocean.

A joint media release from WCPFC and the Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) stated that the weeklong meeting will address pivotal agenda items that will shape the strategy for sustainable Pacific tuna fisheries:

• Latest update of tuna stock status: Experts will present the latest assessment of tuna stock status in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. This comprehensive update will be the foundation for discussions on conservation measures and responsible management practices.
• Including climate change impacts: Recognising the profound impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems, WCPFC20 will explore strategies to address challenges posed by rising temperatures, changing currents, and other climate-related factors affecting tuna fisheries.
• Harvest strategies: Taking centre stage will be enhancing the effectiveness of fisheries management through harvest strategies. Delegates will focus on developing approaches to ensure sustainable harvests while balancing ecological and economic considerations.

Read more: https://www.cookislandsnews.com/uncategorised/internal/national/regional/environment/climate-change-overfishing-pacific-tuna-faces-unprecedented-challenges/