Fiji, Dec. 2 -- Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Chair Dr Josie Tamate says all major tuna stocks in the region remain healthy but warned that the Commission is now moving into a critical phase of setting firm catch limits and adopting management procedures to keep the world's largest tuna fishery sustainable.

Speaking at a media conference in Manila, Tamate said the Commission's responsibility covers four key tuna stocks - skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye and albacore as well as billfish and non-target species.

"There are four key tuna stocks that are under the responsibility of the WCPFC," she said. "At the moment, all the stocks with respect to the tuna and bill are healthy."

Dr Tamate said the region's tuna stock...