Fiji, Dec. 5 -- Pacific countries most dependent on South Pacific albacore have delivered a clear message at WCPFC22 in Manila - this fishery is critical to their survival, and the Tuna Commission must act decisively to secure its future.

The South Pacific Group (SPG), a sub-regional coalition within the Forum Fisheries Agency (FF)A Membership, says South Pacific albacore underpins the economic viability of southern longline fisheries and the coastal communities that rely on them.

Formed under an MOU signed by Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu, the SPG was created to strengthen cooperation on oceanic fisheries management, with South Pacific albacore as its top priority.

"All SPG countries depend heavily on South Pacifi...