Fiji, Nov. 28 -- Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Chairperson Dr Josie Tamate says the economic future of Pacific tuna fisheries hinges on delivering a long-delayed harvest strategy for South Pacific albacore when the Commission meets in Manila next week, warning that island members want certainty after years of economic decline.

In an interview with PACNEWS, Dr Tamate said the South Pacific albacore management procedure is now directly tied to protecting the region's US$5.3 billion annual tuna economy.

"South Pacific Albacore (SBA) is a key fishery for southern Pacific Island groups. There have been concerns that although the stock is deemed to be biologically healthy, the economics does not look good," she said...