The Philippines is seeking extended fishing access to tuna-rich high seas pocket 1 of the Pacific Ocean in the next five years from the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) to ensure continued economic fishing activities. Agriculture Undersecretary and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources national director Eduardo Gongona said the country is negotiating for the access to the high seas pocket 1 which is set to expire this year. “We are negotiating continued access to high seas pocket 1 and the current terms and conditions of the existing WCPFC conservation and management measures on tropical tunas,” Gongona said in a briefing for the 14th Regular Session of the WCPFC on Sunday in Pasay City.

Simeon, L. M. (2017, December 4). Phl seeks continued access to high seas tuna fishing ground. The Philippine Star, p. B5.