The decision at the recent ICCAT extraordinary meeting to reduce the moratorium on FAD usage from 72 to 45 days has been welcomed by Orthongel, representing the French tuna sector – which has also issued a warning that serious challenges of control and compliance are still to be addressed.
‘The reduction in the moratorium on FADs is a step forward, but it does not make up for persistent shortcomings in terms of control and compliance,’ commented Orthingel president Xavier Leduc.
‘To ensure fair competition and sustainable fishing practices, it is essential to strengthen monitoring and control measures, notably by drawing up a complete list of operational vessels, increasing observer coverage and setting up an inspection system on the high seas. Faced with the opposition of certain countries, which are holding back the adoption of these fundamental measures, it is perhaps time for the European Union to take firmer action, by refusing access to its market to products from fleets that do not respect these rules.’
Although the changes to the regulations around FADs are welcomed, Orthongel has expressed its regret that this adjustment has come too late for some companies that have ceased activity, with far-reaching effects on the socio-economic fabric of the tuna industry.
Orthongel has also welcomed the decision to shift this shortened FAD closure from January-March to April, stating that this should help bring yellowfin tuna catches back in line with the TAC. The moderate increase in the bigeye tuna TAC is also seen as a positive development, a result of the efforts made to reduce catches which have led to a clear improvement in the stock.
The French tuna sector also notes ICCAT’s progress on the development of a multi-specific Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) with the adoption of a resolution on the development of initial management objectives for bigeye, yellowfin and skipjack tuna in the East Atlantic.
But Orthongel warns that these advances should not obscure essential questions that remain unanswered, particularly in terms of control and compliance, stating that the failure to step up surveillance measures is seen as jeopardising the efforts of the French and European fleets to ensure fair and sustainable management of resources.
‘Orthongel will remain vigilant in promoting a programme of high seas on-board inspection (HSBI) and the application of port state measures (FAO). In fact, some fleets continue to exceed established catch limits, without any effective measures being put in place to remedy these abuses,’ and Orthongel representative said.
