Building on its support for Harvest Control Rules at WCPFC22 in Manila in 2025, the FFSAPI–SARGEN Handline Fisheries Improvement Project expressed its continued support for the Philippine delegation to the 22nd Regular Session of the WCPFC Scientific Committee (SC22). The session was held from August 11 to 19, 2026 in Apia, Samoa, in a hybrid format.
In a letter, FIP leads wrote to Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Bayate, BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig, and BFAR Assistant Director Isidro Velayo Jr. They encouraged the delegation to stay actively engaged in scientific discussions on harvest strategies for tropical tuna. They also asked DA and BFAR to endorse the FIP’s separate letter to the Scientific Committee.
That letter, addressed to SC Chair Emily Crigler, recognized the Committee’s work on candidate Target Reference Points, Management Strategy Evaluation, and the scientific basis for Harvest Control Rules and Management Procedures for yellowfin and bigeye tuna. It explained that harvest strategies give fishery improvement projects the predictability and transparency they need for long-term planning. It also stressed that continued progress matters for the livelihoods of thousands of Filipino fishers and coastal families.
The letter was submitted by the Philippines as an official SC22 document, WCPFC-SC22-2026-OP03, dated August 10, 2026.
