The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission’s (IOTC) recent Special Session to adopt a conservation and management measure on fish aggregating devices (FADs) in Indian Ocean tuna fisheries concluded with some enhanced management provisions but was found lacking in terms of collaborative effort to realise broader goals, according to the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF).
Held 3-5 February 2023 in Mombasa, Kenya, the Special Session was called last year due to inaction with regards to FAD management.
In a position statement issued before the IOTC session, ISSF urged enhanced, science-based FAD management provisions.
Following the session, ISSF acknowledged the Commission’s progress in adopting some of the improvements, including FAD marking guidelines, a timeline for transition to biodegradable FADs, and access to FAD position data for the IOTC Scientific Committee for science needs.
But ISSF said it was concerned by the “lack of a shared effort by all IOTC delegations” in working together toward the realisation of scientific advice.
In a statement, it said the general breakdown of communication and negotiation that was evident at the IOTC Special Session sets an “unwelcome precedent for future meetings” and, ultimately, the sustainable use of Indian Ocean tuna fisheries.
“IOTC parties are beholden to the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement, the core provisions of which require cooperation and consultation amongst all coastal States and States fishing on the high seas,” ISSF President Susan Jackson said. “Both practices are critically important in managing highly migratory fish stocks like tuna, and both practices seemed to have been unfortunately lacking at this meeting.
“We therefore remain cautious in our assessment of the effectiveness of the new FAD measure, especially in helping rebuild the yellowfin tuna stock. And we urge all parties to recommit to working together for the long-term sustainable management of Indian Ocean resources.”
Meanwhile, the International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF) has welcomed the measures adopted at the meeting to curb the harmful effects of FADs on tuna stock.
The proposal on drifting FADs was adopted by a two-thirds majority following a vote by secret ballot in the final hours of the meeting. Coming into effect on 1 January 2024, it included a phased reduction in the number of drifting FADs permitted per vessel from 300 to 250 in the first year and to 200 in 2025.
It also mandated the creation of a drifting FAD registry, allowing for increased transparency and monitoring of the controversial manmade devices used to attract tuna.
The adopted proposal also put a 72-day closure period for drifting FADs in place.
