WCPFC 2017 Philippines

Ryan Cayabyab singers serenade WCPFC 2017 delegates during the Commission's Welcome Dinner last December 3, 2017

The Ryan Cayabyab Singers are world-renowned Filipino composer and musician Ryan Cayabyab's "dream team." A powerhouse of top singers and all-around performers, they are carefully selected from a series of auditions that sieve through the country's most talented artists.

At present, they are composed of V.j. Caber, Celine Beatrice Fabie, Poppert Bernadas, Katherine Tiuseco, Anthony Castillo, Nica Tupas and Erwin Meredor Lacsa.

Abundance is a key theme found in the intricate geometric weaving pattern of the Yakan. An indigenous Muslim tribe from the Southwestern tip of the Philippines, the Yakan are known for their Tuna-inspired designs of abundance spread out over colorful, hand-woven fabric. They represent the Yakan's distinct island life, a blend of fishing and farming from which the tribe derive their music and culture.

The pattern then serves to inspire this 14th Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), which in itself is an embodiment of our common aspiration for sustainability and abundance. It covers our Handbook and Compendium Folder as a proud emblem of the Philippine hosting of the Commission, a piece of culture for our delegates to bring back home.

Special thanks to the Department of Tourism - Philippines and Tourism Promotions Board for giving us these goodies! Our WCPFC 2017 delegates will surely know that it is indeed more fun in the Philippines!

Philippine Undersecretary for Fisheries Eduardo Gongona welcomes the delegates of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) during last night's Welcome Dinner.

As host of this year's Commission meeting, the Philippines thru the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is accommodating about 700 participants for a week-long round of discussions on the long-term conservation of tuna and other fish species in the Western and Central Pacific region.

Philippine Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol leads the Opening Ceremony of the 14th Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

Secretary Piñol told the WCPFC of the Philippine’s willingness to comply with the many Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs) being implemented in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. He also welcomed the delegates to the country and wished them a pleasant stay.

Joining him was Philippine Undersecretary for Fisheries Eduardo B. Gongona, WCPFC Chair Rhea Moss-Christian, and WCPFC Executive Director Feleti Teo.

Delegates of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) arrive early at the Philippine International Convention Center for the opening ceremony of the five-day Commission meeting. Over 700 participants from 26 member states, 7 participating territories, and 7 cooperating non-members were expected to arrive.

What is the WCPFC?

The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is a regional fisheries management organization which governs fishing activities, particularly of tuna, in the high seas or waters that do not belong to any country.

It was established by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention, an international agreement based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1995 UN Fish Stocks Agreement.

In its annual sessions, the Commission passes conservation and management measures, which members consider as binding rules. These are aimed at curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, protecting particular marine and bird species, and addressing various problems in high seas fisheries management.

At present, the WCPFC is composed of 26 member states, seven participating territories, and seven cooperating non-members in the Western and Central Pacific region.

For more information, visit www.wcpfc.int/frequently-asked-questions-and-brochures

Something big is setting sail to Manila.

This December, around 700 participants from over 40 states and territories will gather in Manila, Philippines for the 14th Meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

A regional fisheries management organization, the WCPFC is tasked to govern fishing activities in the high seas and ensure the conservation and long-term sustainability of tuna and other highly-migratory fish species in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.

The upcoming meeting is expected to tackle issues concerning existing fisheries Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs), tuna stocks in the Pacific, bycatch mitigation, and compliance monitoring schemes, among others.

It will be hosted by the Philippine government's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).