Fiji, Dec. 4 -- Sharks Pacific has delivered a strong message to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), warning that the region cannot claim credible fisheries management while ignoring the growing threat of marine pollution, especially abandoned fishing gear.

Policy Director Bubba Cook used his intervention at WCPFC22 in Manila to praise Canada's leadership on the issue but said the Tuna Commission's current rules are falling behind the scale of the problem.

"Sharks Pacific would like to commend Canada for its continued leadership in elevating marine pollution, particularly Abandoned, Lost or Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) and ghost gear, as a core fisheries management issue, not just an afterthought.

This Commi...