In a new report Greenpeace is calling for the exclusion of large-scale “and destructive” foreign-owned vessels from national waters, in a bid to help small locally owned Pacific Islands fisheries survive and to sustain precious tuna reserves for the future.

A new report titled “Transforming Tuna Fisheries in Pacific Island Countries: An Alternative Model of Development”, also calls for better management of the tuna industry, taxation reform and higher access costs for distant water vessels, the promotion of artisanal fisheries and raising  awareness of sustainable and responsible tuna fisheries.

The report wants smaller and locally owned fisheries to “maximise economic returns, create local jobs and better protect countries” precious tuna reserves for the long term.”

Greenpeace Campaigner, Duncan Williams says Greenpeace advocates for  sustainable tuna fisheries to prevent a tuna crisis.

“In Australia and the UK, all the major tuna brands and retailers are now committed to buying only responsibly sourced tuna. Pacific Island countries can put themselves in the driver’s seat and reap the benefits of this shift.”

The lead author of the report, Dr Kate Barclay from Sydney’s University of Technology says, “While the Western and Central Pacific Ocean supplies over 60 per cent of all tuna consumed globally, profits made out of this are not reaching the small island economies from where Tuna is sourced.

“A shift away from the large-scale industrial model of fishing, towards smaller-scale vessels operated in coastal island countries by communities and local entrepreneurs should result in greater economic benefits for Pacific countries, and place management of the resources more effectively within their control.”

The report was released on 5 August by Greenpeace Australia Pacific.