At its annual meeting in Brazil the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) faced many questions regarding the protection of Atlantic bluefin tuna. It is informed that ICCAT is the regional fisheries management organization responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent seas.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans today issued the following statement at the conclusion of the meeting. She said that ICCAT has finally shown a commitment to protect the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna (EBFT) stock from overfishing and illegal fishing.
According to her the Government of Canada pressed for stern steps at this year’s annual meeting and is optimistic at members’ recognition that decisive action in favour of sustainable management of Atlantic bluefin tuna is needed. Shea told that ICCAT members have adopted a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the EBFT fishery of 13,500t, which falls within the science advice.
It is advised that members must now act on their commitments and ensure fishing fleets fully comply with the agreed TAC, quotas, and related management measures. Those ICCAT members failing to comply must face severe penalties. She opined that in the past, Canada has been disappointed that the advice of science was not being followed by members and that overfishing continued, particularly in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. ICCAT has in place a program to effectively track and control the trade of bluefin.
ICCAT has also agreed to continued management measures for North Atlantic Swordfish, a stock that has been successfully rebuilt. Canada’s quota for this stock will be 1,473t for 2010, which is slightly increased from 2009. Shea said that the Government of Canada is leading the way and remains committed to sustainable fishing practices, based on sound conservation and management principles.
