ISSF calls for stronger Pacific tuna control

In a position statement ahead of the annual Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission meeting in British Columbia next month, the ISSF is also calling for a new harvest strategy for North Pacific albacore, including a harvest control rule.

“Strong, transparent compliance policies and practices improve fisheries management because they hold RFMO members accountable,” said ISSF president, Susan Jackson.

“Last year, we applauded the commission for its adoption of improvements in this area, including best practices promoted by ISSF and partners, like greater detail in compliance reports and mechanisms to identify infraction patterns.”

“This year, the IATTC must implement these improvements to strengthen its compliance processes and ensure robust and responsible outcomes.”

Improving fish aggregating device management is another priority for EPO fisheries, said Jackson, adding that FADs should avoid the use of netting and be constructed from mainly biodegradable materials.

Additional ‘top asks’ in the statement include:

• Establish timelines for the Committee for the Review of Implementation of Measures outcomes
• Develop a harvest strategy and implement IATTC recommendations for South Pacific albacore
• Adopt interim reference points for skipjack tuna
• Establish a scientist-manager group focused on the management of other tuna stocks
• Ensure all members implement resolution C-21-04 so that the fishing mortality for bigeye and yellowfin does not exceed the average fishing mortality during 2017-2019
• Amend Resolution C-05-03 to require that all retained sharks be landed with fins naturally attached without exceptions
• Amend Resolution C-11-02 to include updated seabird mitigation options, for example hook shielding devices
• Endorse the recommendations of the IATTC on electronic monitoring
• Establish a fleet-wide observer programme for class 1-5 purse seine vessels