The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Agreement is an international treaty that was adopted in 2004 to promote sustainable fisheries management. The agreement was established to ensure that the world`s largest tuna fishery, which is located in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, is managed in a sustainable and responsible way.

The WCPFC Agreement covers a vast area of ocean, stretching from 20 degrees north to 20 degrees south of the equator and from 130 degrees east to 175 degrees west longitude. The area is home to many species of tuna, including skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye, and albacore. These tuna species are important for commercial and subsistence fishing, as well as for the economies of the countries in the region.

One of the key provisions of the WCPFC Agreement is the establishment of catch limits for tuna and other fish species. The catch limits are designed to prevent overfishing and ensure that fish populations remain healthy and sustainable. The agreement also provides for the monitoring and enforcement of these catch limits, including through the use of satellite technology to track fishing vessels.

The WCPFC Agreement also includes measures to protect vulnerable species, such as sharks and sea turtles, from being caught as bycatch. Bycatch is the unintended capture of non-target species, which can have significant impacts on marine ecosystems. The agreement requires fishing vessels to use measures such as circle hooks and fish aggregating devices to reduce the risk of bycatch.

In addition to these conservation measures, the WCPFC Agreement also includes provisions for the management of fishing vessels. The agreement requires all vessels operating in the region to be registered with the commission and to carry observers on board to monitor their activities. The commission also has the power to sanction vessels that violate its rules.

The WCPFC Agreement is an important tool for the management of the world`s largest tuna fishery. By promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting vulnerable species, the agreement helps to ensure that the oceans remain healthy and productive for generations to come. As a professional, it is important to note that articles on the WCPFC Agreement should include relevant keywords such as “sustainable fisheries management,” “tuna fishery,” “catch limits,” “bycatch,” and “fishing vessels.” By including these keywords, the article will be more likely to appear in search engine results and reach a wider audience.