Mongabay · Climate & nature

Pacific Bluefin Tuna Management Strengthened, Other Species Lag

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) adopted a new harvest strategy for Pacific bluefin tuna to ensure its long-term sustainability. Efforts to establish a similar framework for other key tuna species were unsuccessful.

The new strategy for Pacific bluefin tuna allows for slight catch increases but includes automatic reductions if the population declines. This plan was developed over 10 years.

The IATTC failed to agree on a multispecies management framework for bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna. This would have triggered fishing restrictions if any one population declined.

Pacific bluefin tuna populations are managed jointly with the WCPFC, while the other three species are managed solely by the IATTC. Stock assessments indicate healthy conditions for bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack.

Industry groups sought predictable rules and market confidence through harvest strategies for tropical tunas. Consensus was not reached due to opposition from some countries seeking increased fishing capacity.

NGOs called for improved transparency and measures against illegal fishing. Proposals for greater transparency and monitoring were not adopted.

Discussions on labor standards and worker conditions were absent from the IATTC agenda, a gap noted by industry representatives.

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