Fiji, Dec. 5 -- The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) wrapped up its annual meeting in Manila Friday with a major win for Pacific tuna fisheries, agreeing to a long-awaited management procedure for South Pacific albacore - a billion-dollar species central to the economies of many island states.

In an exclusive interview with PACNEWS, WCPFC Chair Dr Josie Tamate said she was "very, very happy" with the outcome, calling the agreement a top priority and a long time coming.

"The Commission has finally adopted a Managing Procedure for South Pacific Albacore. I'm very, very happy," she said.

"That was my top priority for this meeting. Mainly there's been a lot of work coming through the year, and to get it across the l...