WCPFC has always been a symbol of opportunity. Its origins are rooted in great vision and aspiration, borne out of the foresight and resolve of small island developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific region to ensure that the fisheries resources shared between areas of national jurisdiction and the high seas would be sustained for future generations.
The strong foundation on which WCPFC was established has been a hallmark of its success and will be a key ingredient in its ability to stay relevant into the future. Advancing progress on the development of harvest strategies and strengthening monitoring capabilities by addressing data gaps, are at the forefront of the Commission’s work in the short to medium term. The evolving international framework for ocean management underscores WCPFC’s crucial role in sustainable development of marine resources.
Harvest Strategy Development
Managing a multi-gear (e.g. purse seine, longline, troll, artisanal gears), multi-species (yellowfin, bigeye, skipjack, albacore) fishery requires careful balancing of interests ranging from economic to social, with scientific data and monitoring capabilities. Many fisheries overlap, where certain vessel gear types can catch more than one species, which means that management measures in respect of individual stocks must be complimentary and enforceable. A comprehensive harvest strategy framework for the WCPFC promises adaptive and robust management by providing predictability, certainty, and science-based management, all of which will lead to strong sustainability outcomes for fish stocks managed by the WCPFC.
Strengthened Compliance with Obligations
Maximizing compliance across the vast and diverse WCPFC membership remains a significant challenge. Compliance reviews are challenged by inconsistencies in data reporting, particularly in high seas and longline fisheries. Data and monitoring gaps from some members and for some fisheries, including observer coverage discrepancies between longline and purse seine fisheries, have hindered accurate assessments of and proper awareness and understanding of trends and patterns in fishing activities, and in some cases identification of potential violations. Strengthening compliance through better reporting and enhanced monitoring systems continues to be a top priority.
Climate Change
Climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities for the small island developing states (SIDS) that are members of the WCPFC. These nations rely heavily on tuna fisheries for economic stability, food security, and livelihoods. Changes in fish stock locations or declines in abundance threaten their socio-economic resilience.
By incorporating climate modeling, enhancing data collection, and fostering regional cooperation, the WCPFC can help mitigate the impacts of climate change while promoting sustainable use of marine resources. Such efforts are essential to maintaining the health of Pacific ecosystems and the long-term viability of the fisheries that millions depend upon.
Equity and Resource Allocation
WCPFC operates in a region where small island developing states (SIDS) and territories rely heavily on fisheries for economic stability and food security, making equitable access a key concern.
Disparities in fishing capacity and historical catch data, often used as baselines for resource allocation, can disproportionately favor wealthier nations with established fleets, sidelining the needs of small island communities. RFMOs must address these inequities by promoting inclusive decision-making, capacity building, and mechanisms that allow equitable distribution of fishing opportunities and benefits.
Global Ocean Governance
Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)
One of the key challenges WCPFC faces is the growing international focus on ocean conservation, particularly following the adoption of the Treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
This new framework places added expectations on regional fisheries bodies like WCPFC to contribute to global ocean health through stronger conservation measures, resulting in concerns about potential impacts on the management of, and benefits from, existing fisheries management framework. The key, therefore, will be to ensure that implementing the BBNJ Agreement complements and strengthens the existing successful fisheries management framework in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, rather than undermining it.
Deep Sea Mining
Interactions between deep sea mining activities and fisheries like those managed by the WCPFC are not well understood. Exploratory seabed mining in the Pacific Ocean, such as in the area known as the Clarion Clipperton Zone, offer additional information to support further scientific research and understanding of potential impacts of mining activities on tuna fisheries and their habitats.
In 2025, the WCPFC was granted Observer status to the International Seabed Authority, which will support WCPFC Members' interests in expanding their knowledge and understanding of how to balance fisheries management with other ocean-related activities.
Marine Pollution
The WCPFC adopted a conservation and management measure to mitigate marine pollution from fishing activities in 2017 and in 2024, agreed to work interesessionally to strengthen the measure. The global negotiations for a new Plastics Treaty further signifies the importance of ensuring that WCPFC-managed fisheries are not exacerbating efforts to minimize pollution in the marine environment.