2 Dec 2014

Conservation message backed by cannery

4:35 pm on 2 December 2014

One of the world's biggest fishing companies says it supports the call for more action on preserving fishing stocks, which are in decline in the Pacific ocean.

Frozen albacore tuna offloaded in Lami, Fiji

Frozen albacore tuna offloaded in Lami, Fiji Photo: RNZ / Philippa Tolley

Trimarine International's chief operating officer Joe Hamby is in Apia for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission session.

Pacific countries are calling on the WCPFC for more restrictions on the fishing of big eye, which is down to 16 percent of its original stock, albacore which is expected to drop by 16 percent by 2030, and bluefin, which is at less than four percent of its original stock.

The president of the American Tunaboat Association, Brian Hallmark, says further restrictions on catch limits will hurt the American Samoan tuna industry.

Mr Hamby says he understands Mr Hallmarks perspective, but says action is needed.