Fiji, Dec. 2 -- Tuvalu has delivered a clear message to WCPFC22, warning that key fisheries rules are falling behind and must be strengthened to protect the region's tuna stocks and the economies that rely on them.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting Monday, Minister of Natural Resources Development Sa'aga Talu said Tuvalu expects real progress this year across four major issues.

Talu backed the long-delayed Management Procedure for South Pacific albacore, noting that while the species is not central to Tuvalu's economy, regional solidarity and the Commission's credibility are on the line.

"Frankly, for Tuvalu the fishery for albacore is not very important - but I have put this top of my list as a matter of solidarity with other FFA...