Fiji, Nov. 26 -- The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is heading into a critical year as deep-sea mining pressures intensify, a new global ocean treaty comes into force, and international conferences call for tougher action to protect tuna stocks and the wider marine environment.

In its Twenty-Second Regular Session Annual Report, the Commission outlined major developments that will shape fisheries management across the region in 2026 from the Pacific's first deep-sea mining plans to new obligations under the high-seas biodiversity treaty.

WCPFC members agreed in 2024 to seek observer status at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) amid growing concern about potential mining impacts on tuna fisheries.

The Com...