Fiji to Host Big Tuna Management Forum
In a bid to create a better understanding of tuna management in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO), stakeholders will meet at a two-day regional forum at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi next week.
The workshop is to support the development of tuna harvesting strategies within the WCPO by creating a unique platform that considers some of the key elements of fisheries management issues currently relevant to the WCPO states. WWF-Pacific’s Sustainable Fisheries and Seafood Programme Manager, Duncan Williams said, using innovative and ‘hands on’ simulation tools, participants will learn how management strategies evaluations (MSEs) can test and contribute to the development of robust control rules within an overall harvest strategy approach.
“The “Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ): Western & Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Management Workshop”, will complement the capacity building that has already been delivered to WCPFC members and will assist Commission members to understand and appreciate the value of robust and well tested harvest strategies to enable effective participation at future international negotiations,” Williams said.
“Fiji is an executing partner of the global ABNJ Tuna Project which aims to improve the health and sustainability of tuna fisheries worldwide by reducing illegal catch and supporting related marine ecosystems and species.
“This workshop aims to accelerate the development of tuna harvest strategies within each ocean region including the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission which has agreed to implement a harvest strategy approach, making this workshop particularly timely and appropriate,” she added.
The two-day regional workshop is organised by the Ministry of Fisheries and WWF, with financial support from the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) project. Meanwhile, 40 participants from Fiji and the Pacific region are expected to attend the two-day workshop that will be held from February, 20-21.