Fiji, Nov. 25 -- The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is warning that climate change and marine pollution are emerging as direct threats to the region's tuna fisheries, saying the health of the ocean will determine the future of one of the Pacific's most valuable resources.

In its Twenty-Second Regular Session Annual Report, the Commission says the marine environment is now central to the security of Pacific tuna stocks.

"A healthy marine environment is essential to healthy tuna stocks," the report states.

"Threats from pollution, climate change, and destructive fishing practices can harm the ocean ecosystem that supports thriving tuna populations."

The Commission says pollution from plastics to toxic chemicals...