The Commission’s decision is a small step in an effort to save a threatened species that is a favorite among sushi lovers. But this decision has been criticized by the environmentalists as the decision to reduce catches by only 10 percent in each of the next three years is not appropriate. They had sought an immediate 30 percent reduction that scientists advising the body had recommended.
Mark Stevens, senior program officer at the World Wildlife Fund, told that commissions charged with protecting tuna populations are proving completely ineffective and inadequate. He further add that if they are willing to ignore the advice of their own scientists, then they can have little faith in their ability to prevent the demise of this species.
It is informed that the monitoring and verifying system agreed to by the commission’s 34 member countries and territories to ensure the cuts is effectively voluntary. The WWF’s Peter Trott criticized the system, saying plans to put monitors on boats would cover as little as 5 percent of the fishing fleets for all but two months of the year. The commission is responsible for regulating commercial fishing in the region, which stretches from Hawaii to Asia and as far south as Australia.
Commission Chairman Glen Hurry said the agreement reached was not perfect but was a “step in the right direction. He added that the plan that requires reductions of 10 percent in 2009 with similar cuts planned for 2010 and 2011. He also said that the measures adopted would be reviewed next year and possibly toughened based on scientific evidence if these don’t seem to be delivering the right result.
