Management of the South Pacific tuna fishery

South Pacific tuna is worth some $US1.5 billion and the economic future of many Pacific islands is dependent upon the conservation of the regionʹs tuna stocks. The entry into force of UNCLOS in 1994 and the Implementing Agreement of 1995 have focussed attention on the management of South Pacific tuna, as have regional economic trends. However, the deficiencies apparent in fisheries management systems elsewhere are likely to be exacerbated in the South Pacific. The article suggests that a practical alternative to the direct control of tuna catches, while other methods are being researched, is area closures. This system is already in place in some island countries and requires only limited financial resources to implement.