The Philippines delegation to the Tuna Commission meeting in Samoa this week is adamant that it is too early for additional conservation action to protect dwindling big-eye tuna stocks.
High-value big-eye is one of the Pacific’s most lucrative resources but numbers have fallen to just 16 per cent of their original level. Scientists have recommended a 36 per cent cut to the catch. The Philippines says it supports a sustainable fishery but believes it is too soon for new rules at a meeting of the 33-member Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, taking place in Samoa, this week.
Pacific nations have tabled a new conservation measure for big-eye, yellow, and skipjack tuna.
The Director of the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Asis Perez, told a media conference the existing conservation measure, which was only introduced at last year’s meeting, needs time to be evaluated.
“I do not agree with the idea that every time you meet, there should be a new measure,” Mr. Perez said. “I think it’s too early to see the effect of that measure.”
“The Philippine delegation is willing to cooperate with everybody but we should not rush into doing measures every year, changing measures every year adding measures every year simply because were yet to see the results.”
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Other fishing nations and industry groups at W.C.P.F.C share Philipines’ concerns.
As decisions are made by consensus, any new rules require approval of all member nations. As a result the stance by Philippines means it is unlikely the Pacific proposal will succeed.
Samoa’s Assistant Fisheries Chief Executive Officer, Joyce Ah Leong said the Philippines stance is ‘disappointing’.
Ms. Ah Leong said the measure introduced at last year’s W.C.P.F.C meeting was not all the Pacific wanted and she pointed out that distant water fishing nations had promised at that meeting to consider the Pacific proposal again this year.
Ms. Ah Leong reminded distant water fishing nations that Pacific countries are suffering, which they have a responsibility to assist them to overcome.
The Philippines was allowed access to fish in the High Seas Pocket one to wit: In 2012, the Philippines caught 2,045 metric tons of fish. In 2013, the figures increased to 13,326 metric tons and this year, the catch rose to 22, 855 metric tons.
The Philippines is ranked number 10 in the list of fishing nations with over 1.8 million of its total population of over 100 million working in the fishing sector.
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