Defending our Pacific ship tour 2011: Final Report

More than 60% of the world’s tuna is caught in
the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO).
Industrial fleets from distant-water fishing nations
(DWFNs) take the overwhelming majority of
this catch. As demand for tuna grows, that
proportion is increasing, as tuna stocks in other
parts of the world have been drastically depleted – in some cases to the point of collapse. The very same fate awaits Pacific tuna stocks unless measures are taken urgently to rein in excess fishing capacity, pirate fishing and the destructive fishing methods causing widespread collateral damage to species at risk. If Pacific tuna stocks and the marine ecosystems that support them are allowed to diminish, the impact on Pacific
Island nations will be immeasurable. The loss will cause economic hardship, potentially
permanent environmental damage and impact the region’s key food sources.