Fiji, Nov. 27 -- The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) enters 2025 with nearly a third of its agreed member contributions still unpaid, raising concerns about how the organisation will sustain critical fisheries monitoring, science and compliance work across the region.

According to the Commission's 2025 annual report, members approved a US$9.78 million budget for the year - but US$3.29 million of those contributions had not been collected at the time of reporting, including arrears from previous years.

The Commission said the budget underpins essential work, from scientific stock assessments to vessel monitoring and support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

"The budget ensures that the Commission can ef...