The 2021 measure adopted by tuna industry body ISSF in response to scientific assessments of over-exploitation of Indian Ocean yellowfin has been repealed in the light of new data indicating that the stock is no longer overfished or experiencing overfishing.
ISSF Conservation Measure 1.3 – IOTC Yellowfin Tuna Rebuilding following a review of updated scientific advice on the status of Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna – was adopted as a response to the state of the Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna fishery, and this required participating companies to reduce their sourcing of Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna by between 11 and 22%, and to publicly report on their commitments and implementation efforts.
Based on the most recent assessment and subsequent methodological review completed in 2025 by the IOTC Scientific Committee, Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna is no longer classified as overfished nor subject to overfishing. These improvements occurred during a period of strengthened fisheries oversight and voluntary industry action aligned with scientific advice, including sourcing reductions implemented by ISSF participating companies.
‘ISSF adopted CM 1.3 to support stock rebuilding at a time when scientific advice clearly indicated urgent action was needed and wasn’t being taken by the IOTC,’ said ISSF president Susan Jackson.
‘While stock recovery is driven by multiple factors, the actions taken by ISSF participating companies to follow the scientific advice at the time demonstrates how industry can contribute constructively when management processes are lacking.’
While the measure was in effect, ISSF participating companies in total reduced their sourcing of Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna by more than 30% compared to historical baselines — exceeding the reduction levels originally envisioned under the measure and reflecting a strong, united response to the scientific advice in effect at the time.
The repeal of Conservation Measure 1.3 does not change ISSF’s continued engagement with IOTC, where ISSF will continue to advocate for science-based management measures, including catch limits consistent with scientific advice, to ensure the long-term sustainability of Indian Ocean tuna fisheries.
