I. BACKGROUND 

Tropical tuna harvested in the Western Central Pacific Ocean account for 60% of the global tuna trade. One of the most valuable tunas is yellowfin tuna that supports livelihood, employment and generates considerable GDP share for coastal nations through export sales (Indonesia, Philippines and Pacific Island states), and vessel day sales (Pacific islands). Small scale fishers account for about 40% of yellowfin tuna catches in the Philippines, (STP Assessment Report 2020, Tambuyog), Malaysia and Indonesia. Collapse of this fishery will have far-reaching implic