by Nick Delgado

Guam - The newest and largest of the tuna regional fisheries management organizations will be meeting on Guam this month to discuss ways to conserve the world's largest tuna fishery and to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Delegates from 25 member governments will gather on island from March 26-30 for the 8th Regular Meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.

Guam Fisherman's Co-Op president Manny Duenas says the meeting allows others to understand that our resources are not only needed by our communities, but also by the world as a food supply. "We supply over 50 percent of the seafood resource just in the Central Pacific and Western Pacific, so you're talking about Hawaii over to Japan," Duenas stated. "We are the big players. But we also need to have the commission recognize that a small fishing community throughout these islands also need that resource to provide sustenance for our community needs."

Other several key issues that will be discussed this year include fish aggregating devices and sharking finning. The five-day meeting will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.