The Australian delegation to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), together with the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), is pleased to host a lunchtime discussion on the new Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and its connections with tuna fisheries governance in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.
📅 Monday, 1 December 2025
⏱ 12:45pm
As the BBNJ Agreement races toward entry into force in January 2026, WCPFC members are entering a crucial period for shaping how this global ocean treaty will interact with regional fisheries management.
Adopted in June 2023 under UNCLOS, the BBNJ Agreement is the first comprehensive framework dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. With 75 ratifications (as of 24 November 2025), the treaty will enter into force on 17 January 2026. The final Preparatory Commission (PrepCom) meeting ahead of COP1 is scheduled for March 2026.
This side-event will:
- Explore the BBNJ Agreement and its linkages with WCPFC
- Feature insights from government and non-government experts
- Invite questions and discussion from all WCPFC participants
ANCORS has also produced an information paper to support conversations at WCPFC22 — summarised below — and has released podcast episodes via the Negotiating the Ocean series on Spotify.
Information Paper Highlights
The WCPFC and the BBNJ Agreement
This paper outlines how the four BBNJ pillars intersect with WCPFC responsibilities:
- Marine Genetic Resources — Fishing is excluded, except where catch is used for genetic R&D, triggering BBNJ data-sharing obligations.
- ABMTs / MPAs — Direct relevance for spatial management in areas beyond national jurisdiction. WCPFC expertise will be critical in scientific input, proposal consultations, and implementation.
- Environmental Impact Assessments — New transparency, notification, and monitoring requirements for activities in new regions, depths, or targeting new species.
- Capacity Building & Technology Transfer — Future opportunities to strengthen monitoring, scientific capability, and data systems across the Western Central Pacific Ocean.
Most importantly, BBNJ embeds cooperation and coordination with existing bodies — including RFMOs — ensuring efforts complement rather than conflict. Early engagement by WCPFC members will help shape an approach that fits Pacific priorities.
Link to document: https://meetings.wcpfc.int/node/28298
Looking Ahead
The imminent entry into force of BBNJ marks a major moment for ocean governance. WCPFC plays a central role in managing tuna and ecosystem health in ABNJ, and now has the opportunity to help shape how the new global framework works in practice.
We hope you can join us for this timely discussion.
📌 Lunchtime Side-Event — Monday 1 December, 12:45pm
We look forward to seeing you there!