Pacific Tuna Forum 2011

The global tuna industry has been watching nervously and closely on the recent development in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO). For the past few years the Pacific Island countries (PIC) have made bold steps to develop their tuna industry. New management measures for bigeye tuna, reduction of fishing day scheme, introduction of closed areas of 4.5 million square kilometers high seas for purse seine fishing, mandatory presence of fisheries observers on all licensed vessels etc., are among the measures currently being enforced by WCPFC and Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) countries. Some countries in the region have also been aggressive in attracting foreign investment particularly for downstream activities and not just contended with collection of fees from foreign fishing vessels.

With the annual tuna production of around 3.0 million tons, WCPO is not only important to the Pacific Island countries, but it is also important to the global tuna industry as it supplies close to 60% of tunas to the world market.

Considering the importance of WCPO as the heart of the global tuna industry, The 3rd Pacific Tuna Forum 2011, will be the best forum for all stakeholders, particularly for those who want to strengthen their business under the current challenges and for those looking for new opportunities in the region. The Forum will be held at the Ngarachmayong Cultural Center, Koror, Republic of Palau from 6-7 September, 2011.