Photo: ORPAGU

ORPAGU Welcomes ICCAT Progress: Stability Secured for European Longline Fleet in the Indian Ocean and Scientific Management of Swordfish

La organización gallega valora la continuidad de la tintorera como especie objetivo y la implementación de un TAC basado en ciencia para el pez espada, logros clave de la reunión de la Comisión del Atún para el Océano Índico.

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The Organización de Palangreros Guardeses (ORPAGU) has expressed its satisfaction with the agreements reached at the 29th meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), held in Saint-Denis from April 13th to 17th. The Galician organization considers these results a significant step towards more balanced and sustainable management of fisheries resources in this important ocean area.

Among the decisions adopted, ORPAGU particularly highlights Australia's proposal to establish a management plan for swordfish. This measure will allow for the implementation, for the first time in 2026, of a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) based on scientific criteria. "This is excellent news for the fleet, as this species is in an optimal state of conservation, and we anticipate that the allocation formula will be favorable," stated Juana Parada, managing director of the organization.

Another relevant point of the meeting was the joint proposal by the Maldives, Pakistan, and South Africa, which prohibits the capture of vulnerable species such as the oceanic whitetip shark, the thresher shark, and the whale shark. Furthermore, restrictions were agreed upon regarding finning on board and the use of certain fishing gears.

ORPAGU particularly emphasizes the influence of the European fleet, which managed to prevent the prohibition of the use of "wire leaders" below the 20th parallel South, a zone of crucial importance for the Galician longline fleet. Likewise, the concern regarding the regulatory disparity implied by the acceptance of less demanding measures in other Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) was brought to the attention of the European Union.

"For us, it is fundamental that Europe acts decisively to ensure that our vessels do not operate at a disadvantage," affirmed Parada, who communicated the results of the meeting to the members of the organization.

Regarding the blue shark, a species considered key to the economic viability of the longline fleet, ORPAGU recalls that it continues to be recognized as a target fishery with populations in good condition. The scientific assessment to be carried out this year will be decisive for the possible implementation of quotas in the future.

Finally, the longline organization thanked the technical work carried out by the officials of the General Secretariat of Fisheries of the MAPA (Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) and the European Commission. ORPAGU reaffirms its commitment to closely monitor the evolution of these measures, in defense of responsible fishing that guarantees the sustainability and the future of the longline fleet.

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