New limit on tuna catch in Pacific to be discussed

The Philippines will join other Pacific nations next week in Manila to discuss a new plan aimed at limiting tuna catches in the South Pacific, a move designed to protect fish stocks while providing more predictable yields for fleets and industries that depend on the resource.

- By ALDEN MONZON

The measure has been tabled by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) for the upcoming 22nd Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) slated on Dee. 1 to 5 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

“It is important that implementation of harvest strategies shall not result in transferring, directly or indirectly, a disproportionate burden of conservation action onto developing states and territories and possessions,” read a part of the latest draft conservation measure.