Fiji, Dec. 1 -- The leaders of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) opened their annual meeting today with a blunt warning that the Tuna Commission cannot leave Manila without adopting a long-delayed management procedure for South Pacific albacore.

Speaking at a media briefing on Day One of WCPFC22, Executive Director Dr Rhea Moss-Christian made clear the stakes for Pacific fisheries, economies and global markets.

"I don't think that members can leave this meeting without having adopted a management procedure. That is how serious the issue has become, in that another year of delay would be too costly," she said in response to a PACNEWS question.

She said members were well aware of the urgency.

"And I believe th...