The value of tuna spiked in the western Pacific last year, in concert with a record number of catches.
That's according to a report presented to the Scientific Committee of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, otherwise known as the Tuna Commission.
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, which co-authored the report, says tuna prices are reaching the highest levels seen in a long time, particularly for skipjack tuna.
But its Deputy-Director General, Wez Norris, says sustainable tuna fishing must remain a priority.
"The catch has been increasing and the value has been increasing. What we need to do is capitalise on that value to continue to get more money out of the fish without continuing to catch more of it."
Wez Norris from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency.
