Fiji, Nov. 24 -- Sharks Pacific Policy Director Bubba Cook says the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) faces a defining moment in Manila, warning that failure to adopt a management procedure for South Pacific albacore would hit Pacific economies and undermine the credibility of the Commission.

In an interview with PACNEWS, Cook warned that the decision will shape the future of a fishery that underpins the economies of several Pacific Island nations and will also test the Commission's ability to deliver science-based management instead of political deadlock.

"My biggest expectation with South Pacific Albacore is that there is enough incentive among the members, particularly among those that wish to maintain MSC cert...