WCPFC 2024 Report
An Overview of the World's Largest Tuna Fishery
Guardians of the Western and Central Pacific
In 2024, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) reinforced its commitment to the sustainable management of migratory fish stocks. This report highlights key trends in tuna catches, the health of vital fish stocks, and the Commission's ongoing efforts to ensure a sustainable and equitable fishery for future generations amidst growing environmental and economic pressures.
The Heart of the Fishery: Tuna Catch Overview
Total Tuna Catch by Species (WCPO)
The Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) continues to be the world's most significant source of tuna. Catches have remained high, with Skipjack tuna comprising the vast majority of the volume, underscoring its importance to the regional and global seafood supply.
Tuna Catch by Fishing Gear
Purse seine fishing remains the dominant method for tuna catches in the region, followed by longline, pole-and-line, and other gears. Management of these gear types is critical to maintaining stock health and minimizing bycatch.
WCPO's Share of Global Tuna Catch
The WCPO consistently accounts for over half of the world's total tuna catch, highlighting the global significance of the WCPFC's management and conservation measures.
State of the Stocks: A Scientific Approach to Management
The WCPFC's management decisions are grounded in the best available science. The latest stock assessments confirm the effectiveness of these measures for key commercial species, while also highlighting areas that require continued vigilance.
Skipjack Tuna
Stock is not overfished and is not experiencing overfishing.
Yellowfin Tuna
Stock is not overfished and is not experiencing overfishing.
Bigeye Tuna
Stock is not overfished and is not experiencing overfishing.
South Pacific Albacore
Stock is not overfished and is not experiencing overfishing.
A Conservation Success: Pacific Bluefin Tuna Recovery
A standout achievement is the remarkable recovery of the Pacific Bluefin Tuna stock. Through years of coordinated international efforts and strict catch limits, the stock has reached its second rebuilding target ahead of schedule, serving as a model for global fisheries management.
Ensuring Sustainability Through Compliance
Effective conservation relies on robust monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS). The WCPFC employs a suite of tools to promote compliance and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
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Vessel Monitoring
The Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) provides real-time tracking of thousands of fishing vessels, ensuring they operate within authorized areas.
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Observer Programme
The Regional Observer Programme (ROP) places independent observers on vessels to collect vital scientific data and monitor compliance with regulations.
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High Seas Inspections
A high seas boarding and inspection scheme allows member nations to verify that vessels are complying with WCPFC conservation measures.
Protecting the Broader Marine Ecosystem
The WCPFC is committed to an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, actively working to minimize the impact of fishing on non-target species and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.
Bycatch Mitigation Efforts
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Sharks
Stock assessments for species like silky and oceanic whitetip sharks inform management measures to reduce bycatch in longline fisheries.
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Seabirds
Improving mitigation tools like tori lines and branch line weighting to reduce interactions between fishing gear and vulnerable seabirds.
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Sea Turtles
Promoting safe handling practices and research into non-entangling and biodegradable FADs to prevent entanglement.
Addressing Climate Change
Climate change poses a significant threat, with rising ocean temperatures expected to shift tuna habitats and migration patterns. The WCPFC is taking proactive steps to integrate climate considerations into its management framework.
2025 Climate Change Workplan
A dedicated workplan will be adopted to guide the Commission's efforts in understanding and adapting to the impacts of climate change on fisheries, positioning the WCPFC as a leader among regional fisheries bodies.
© 2024 Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)
Infographic based on the 2024 Annual Report of the Executive Director.
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