A call for a greater reduction in the catch of Bigeye tuna seems likely to be recommended by the scientific committee of the regional tuna commission.
Experts have gathered in Vanuatu for a two-week meeting to discuss fishing issues in the the Western and Central Pacific region, especially the state of Bigeye and Yellowfin stocks.
Measures were introduced at the last annual meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission to reduce catches.
The Director of Fisheries Management with the Forum Fisheries Agency, Moses Amos, says last year the call was for a 30 per cent reduction, but the figure is now likely to be 40 per cent:
"That measure is currently being assessed to determine whether or not it is able to achieve its objective, unfortunately the current assessment seems to indicate that the measure has not achieved its objective and the standing committee meeting is going to make further recommendations to the Commission for further reduction on Bigeye tuna stocks."
The FFA's Director of Fisheries Management, Moses Amos.
The annual meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission will hear any recommendations at its annual meeting to be held in French Polynesia in December.
