Context 

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing has long been a persistent challenge in the global fishing sector, posing a serious threat to the livelihoods of countless people who rely on the ocean for food security and economic stability. In the Pacific, the 2021 IUU quantification study conducted by MRAG Asia Pacific for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) found that between 2017 and 2019, an estimated 192,186 tonnes of tuna product were linked to IUU activity each year, with an ex-vessel value of about USD 333.49 million.1 This represented roughly 6.5% of the total tuna catch in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Convention Area in 2019.2 Such figures highlight the gravity of the issue in the Pacific, where it is a pressing, day-to-day challenge that demands urgent and coordinated action at national, regional, and international levels. Raising awareness and maintaining strong advocacy are key to reducing this threat. 

International collaboration is essential, as many drivers of IUU fishing stem from foreign activities in under-resourced Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Through the Pacific–European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme, the FFA signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pacific. This MoA enables WWF-Pacific to implement activities under Key Result Area (KRA) 4.5 of the programme, focusing on capacity strengthening, policy advocacy, and raising awareness of IUU fishing at the international level. These efforts include supporting stronger representation of Pacific Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at WCPFC meetings, as well as delivering workshops, media outreach, and educational initiatives to enhance knowledge and engagement on IUU issues. 

Change Process 

In the realm of international fisheries meetings, CSOs, including diverse Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), have historically found themselves participating individually. Each organization brings forward its unique perspective, highlighting specific issues pertinent to its mission rather than forming a collective stance to address shared concerns. Through the leadership and guidance of the WWF Pacific, CSOs were assisted to make joint statements. 

In the previous annual meetings of the WCPFC, WWF Pacific has played a significant role in engaging Pacific CSOs and NGOs, supporting collaboration and representation during the sessions. Although they attend as observers with limited access, they remain actively involved. A notable shift occurred during the 20th Annual Session of the WCPFC, where a greater number of CSOs participated. Additionally, a journalist based in the Pacific was included in the delegation to enhance communication strategies and raise awareness of key issues and outcomes. 

Leading up to and following WCPFC20, efforts to raise awareness about IUU fishing were also conducted through engaging webinars and insightful podcasts. Webinar brought together key stakeholders, experts, and policymakers. These discussions aimed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions to combat IUU fishing. Panel speakers included Rhea Moss-Christian (Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission); Bubba Alfred Cook (WWF); Surkafa Katafono (International Labour Organization); Francisco Blaha (Independent Fisheries Senior Advisor); Duncan Williams (WWF-Pacific); James Sloan (Siwatibau & Sloan Lawyers); Moritz Lehmann (Starboard Maritime Intelligence) Dr. Patricia Kailola (Pacific Dialogue); Nilmawati (Coral Triangle Program) and Yimo Zhang (WWF-China).  

 Webinar topics included: 

• Safety, Security and Wellbeing of Fishing Crews/ Observers 

• The Road to WCPFC21 

• Improving Fisheries Transparency in Fiji: Current Status, Challenges and Opportunities 

• Outcomes of WCPFC21 

The podcast series aimed to educate the public, decision-makers, and industry stakeholders on the impacts of IUU fishing and the importance of sustainable fisheries management. Podcast topics included Improving Fisheries Transparency; Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS); FAD fishing; Climate change and Tuna Stocks; the Importance of Shark and Ray Management; and Fishing Crew Safety and Well-being.  Speakers included FFA’s Deputy Director General Dr Pio Manoa and Allan Lahari, Fiji-based environmental lawyer James Sloan, Global Fish Watch Epeli Loganimoce, Coalition for Fisheries Transparency Maisie Pidgeon, Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTi) Sven Biermann, WWF’s Bubba Cook and Duncan Williams and Starboard Maritime Intelligence Mortiz Lehmann. 

This new approach signifies a shift from past practices, where discussions tended to stagnate until the next meeting, instead establishing a continuous dialogue that fosters action-oriented discussions. For example, WWF-Pacific have continued engagement on issues relating to Monitoring Control and Surveillance, traceability and transparency in fisheries beyond the immediate deliverable of this project.   

Results and Impact 

During the WCPFC meeting, the participation of CSOs proved invaluable as they collectively raised crucial concerns that resonated with decision-makers throughout the conference. This collaborative effort led to the emergence of essential recommendations, some of which were adopted or designated for further development. Notable outcomes from the CSOs contributions included: 1) the ongoing work of the Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) working group to devise robust recovery programmes and innovative strategies, as well as the pioneering introduction of biodegradable FAD materials; and 2) a resounding wave of support from Members, cooperating non-members, and participating territories (CCMs) to advance the critical development of Conservation and Management Measures for Crew Labour Standards, paving the way for potential adoption in future commission sessions. These achievements serve as a testament to the undeniable influence of CSOs in steering vital discussions, even when not directly involved in the decision-making processes.  

Moreover, participation in these meetings has dramatically impacted Pacific-based journalists, equipping them with the necessary skills and insights to cover complex fisheries management topics that were once foreign to them. The experience of engaging in high-level discussions has underscored the pressing need for local media personnel to immerse themselves in this vital sector, thereby enhancing visibility and serving as a powerful tool in the battle against IUU fishing within their own communities. Pacific based journalist Elenoa Dimaira, navigating challenges during media conferences and limited access at times meant she had to hit the ground running, but she continued to push for coverage of key stories for a wider audience (Civil Society Organisations Optimistic for Effective Measures Against Illegal Fishing at WCPFC 20th Session | PINA).This exemplifies the resilience of local communication teams and journalists who have recognized the importance of addressing IUU fishing. 

In education and awareness, the focus on Labour Standards sparked the creation of a captivating children's e-book entitled "Ana & Vili’s Adventure – Human Rights at Sea" (Ana and Vili’s Adventures: Safety at Sea is a Human Right | WWF). This engaging resource aims to educate young readers about human rights in the context of life at sea.  

Additionally, a series of thought-provoking webinars and podcasts addressing IUU-related topics has successfully brought together key stakeholders, fostering a collaborative spirit in search of innovative and actionable solutions. This ongoing commitment signifies a shift away from reliance on a select few, emphasizing the importance of involvement from a broader network of engaged individuals.  

Lessons Learned   

The ongoing representation of CSOs and NGOs at international fisheries meetings such as those of the WCPFC is a result of significant support. Looking ahead, Duncan Williams and Adriu Iene, both of the WWF Pacific and Fiji office, who have attended these meetings, believe that further support from CROP agencies and regional partners could strengthen and sustain CSO participation in high-level fisheries management discussions. 

“Continued support and engagement of Pacific-based journalists in fisheries, particularly regarding IUU fishing, is crucial for strengthening public awareness and accountability in regional fisheries governance,” emphasized Duncan and Adriu as a way forward. This proactive involvement will not only elevate the standards of how IUU issues are reported but also facilitate meaningful conversations that flow seamlessly from high-level discussions down to the grassroots communities. Such engagement ensures that everyone has a shared understanding of these critical issues. 

Raising awareness about IUU fishing is essential at every level. The two gentlemen noted that the children’s e-book has emerged as one of the flagship outputs of the project, receiving positive feedback for its creativity, accessibility, and relevance. They highlighted the potential of integrating this book into school curriculums, suggesting that expanding the project’s scope to socializing this concept on the ground is a way that could enhance ocean literacy and understanding of ocean management across schools throughout the Pacific. 

Table A: Summarized webinars’ attendance, engagement and participation patterns across sessions.

Table B: Podcasts and webinar resource downloads by continent.