By Kenneth Marcos 
Cool winds swept across Manila Bay as delegates from across the Pacific arrived this week, carrying with them a shared goal: to protect one of the world’s most important fish resources. For many coastal families, especially in Mindanao and parts of Visayas, tuna is not just food—it is livelihood, identity, and survival.
From December 1 to 5, the Philippines is hosting the 22nd Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. The annual gathering brings together fishing nations, scientists, conservation groups, and industry leaders to discuss how to manage tuna stocks that migrate across the world’s largest ocean basin.
Officials from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said the event highlights the Philippines’ active role in global fisheries governance. The country is one of the major tuna producers in the region, with General Santos City known as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines.” Thousands of Filipino workers rely on the catching, processing, and exporting of tuna for their income.
During the opening session, Philippine representatives underscored the need to balance economic growth with responsible fishing. They noted that tuna populations, while still stable in many areas, remain vulnerable to overfishing, climate change, and illegal fishing activities. Proper management ensures that the resource remains renewable and available for future generations.
The WCPFC is tasked with overseeing the conservation of highly migratory fish species, including skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna. Decisions made in its meetings influence fishing rules across an area covering more than 20 percent of the Earth’s surface. These rules include limits on catch, the use of fish-aggregating devices, vessel monitoring, and protection of juvenile fish.
Experts attending the conference highlighted recent scientific assessments showing mixed trends in some tuna stocks. While skipjack remains generally healthy, yellowfin and bigeye require continued close monitoring. Delegates stressed the importance of science-based policies to prevent population decline, which could hurt both the environment and the fishing industry.
The Philippines’ hosting of this year’s session is also seen as a statement of leadership among developing coastal nations. Government officials said the country aims to show that economic benefits from fisheries can go hand-in-hand with conservation when proper safeguards are in place. They also emphasized that small-scale fishers must be included in policy discussions, as they are often the most affected by changes in ocean conditions and fishing regulations.
Beyond policy debates, the conference features side events on sustainable fishing technologies, community-led marine protection, and support programs for coastal households. These activities aim to help participants understand the challenges faced by ordinary fishers and find practical ways to improve their livelihoods.
As the five-day session continues, negotiators are expected to finalize agreements that will shape the future of tuna fishing across the Pacific. These decisions will influence not only international markets but also the daily lives of Filipino fishers who depend on healthy seas.
With the world watching, the Philippines hopes the conference will lead to stronger cooperation, better science, and fairer rules that protect both people and the ocean.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News