Photo: EU/FIS

Landmark agreement for sustainable management of Atlantic tropical tunas

At the annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) meeting in Cyprus, the EU paved the way to an agreement for the sustainable management of tropical tunas.

A breakthrough agreement

This agreement includes a bigeye tuna Total Allowable Catch (TAC) increase, mainly to the benefit of developing coastal states. The fishing opportunities for the European fleet are also slightly improved. Furthermore, the agreement carves out a pathway for the mandatory use of biodegradable and non-entangling Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs).

Another important element for the EU fleet is the reduction of the FAD fishery closure to 45 days, and the strengthening of the scientific work to inform future decisions on the appropriate length of the FAD closure. This creates a level playing field and will benefit the socio-economic situation of the EU fleet in the Atlantic.

The EU also continued to lead towards science-based management measures with the adoption of a recommendation for a Management Strategy Evaluation for tropical tunas. This will allow ICCAT to develop a long-term science-based approach to managing bigeye, skipjack and yellowfin tuna populations, ensuring that these species are healthy and abundant.

Improved management of swordfish and sharks

To ensure sustainable swordfish stocks, ICCAT adopted a management procedure for North Atlantic swordfish, which will define a total allowable catch (TAC) for that species. In addition, the agreement on the allocation of catch limits ensures that catches align with the TAC, reflecting ICCAT’s commitment to sustainable management of the stocks under its remit. The new EU yearly catch limit represents an increase of 1,569 tonnes in comparison to the previous the current one.

Tuna and other small fish beneath a FAD. © Masa Ushioda, SeaPics.com/PEW

The EU also tabled several proposals aimed at protecting sharks and led the process to kick-off a blue shark Management Strategy Evaluation.

Streamlined bluefin tuna management and benefits for small scale fisheries in the Gulf of Lion

ICCAT adopted new measures for bluefin tuna allowing for more stringent control while enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. This will contribute to reduced administrative burden and more streamlined processes. New provisions, again proposed by EU, were adopted to the benefit of small-scale local fleets in the Gulf of Lion.

For the first time, ICCAT has established a comprehensive framework for bluefin tuna aquaculture to ensure traceability, marking a new chapter in the sustainable development of this sector.

Background

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is the Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO) responsible for the conservation of tuna and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. Currently there are 52 contracting parties' delegations, including the EU representing the interests of the EU Member States.

Source: oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu

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