December 9th, 2016 — A lot was said over the past five days in the conference rooms and hallways of The Sheraton Fiji Resort, during kokoda lunches poolside and lobster dinners at the nearby marina.
But all that talk didn’t amount to much.
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission wrapped up its annual meeting Friday as it often has in the past, with many of its international members and nonprofit advocates frustrated by the slow progress made on pressing issues like tuna overfishing and overall accountability on the high seas.
Some left shaking their heads in dismay. Others departed with a tired indifference. A few flew home before the commission adjourned.
But some action was taken amid signs that the commission may become more functional under the leadership of Chair Rhea Moss-Christian.
Overall, she said she was “extremely pleased” with the commission’s progress.
“In comparison to prior years we were able to have a lot more focused discussions on some real critical issues, especially related to tuna management overall,” she said.
“What happened this week is really setting the new tone for how the commission addresses any stocks in critical condition or in an overfished state.”