ICCAT 2024 – landmark agreement reached on tuna management
The latest annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), held in Cyprus, ended with an agreement to increase the bigeye tuna total allowable catch (TAC), with developing coastal states particularly benefiting. The agreement also carves out a pathway for the mandatory use of biodegradable and non-entangling fish aggregation devices (FADs).
Meanwhile, the FAD fishery closure has been shortened to 45 days, with the commitment to strengthen scientific work to inform future decisions on the appropriate length of the FAD closure.
A recommendation was also adopted for a Management Strategy Evaluation for tropical tunas. This will allow ICCAT to develop a long-term science-based approach to managing bigeye, skipjack and yellowfin tuna populations, ensuring that these species are healthy and abundant.
To ensure sustainable swordfish stocks, ICCAT adopted a management procedure for North Atlantic swordfish, which will define a TAC for the species. In addition, the agreement on the allocation of catch limits ensures that catches align with the TAC, reflecting the RFMO’s commitment to sustainable management of the stocks under its remit.
ICCAT also adopted new measures for bluefin tuna allowing for more stringent control while enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. This is expected to contribute to reduced administrative burden and more streamlined processes. New provisions were adopted to the benefit of small-scale local fleets in the Gulf of Lion.
For the first time, ICCAT has established a comprehensive framework for bluefin tuna aquaculture to ensure traceability.
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