WPRFMC Warns Decisions On MPA Tuna Fishing Must Be Backed By Research

The Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) concluded last week with discussions focused on whether commercial fishing can be allowed in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Rose Atoll, Marianas Trench, and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monuments in the tuna-rich Pacific Ocean. The SSC stressed that any restoration should be paired with immediate monitoring and research. Members said managers should not be forced to make future choices without the data needed to measure impacts, read a WPRFMC statement.

According to the SSC, tagging/telemetry (an automated process of collecting, transmitting, and analyzing data from remote or inaccessible sources) approaches, and co-designing research with fishing and indigenous communities, would be ideal for better understanding how fish move in and around the monument waters, and ultimately, for understanding tuna in the region. The Council stated that it will address tuna fishing in MPAs in several agenda items. Earlier this year, the Council gave the green signal for tuna fishing in MPAs. However, according to a Honolulu federal district court judge’s ruling in August, vessels are not allowed to operate in these areas immediately despite US President Donald Trump having signed a proclamation in April allowing US tuna and other vessels to fish in the areas.