WWF asks of ICCAT:
Save the Atlantic bluefin tuna and the Mediterranean swordfish by committing to science, fleet capacity limitation and legality.
At their 22nd annual meeting in Istanbul from 11 to 19 November, 2011, the Contracting Parties to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) will again determine management measures for a range of tunas and tuna-like species. WWF will be present at the meeting to follow closely the issues related to the Atlantic bluefin tuna, whose stocks are still severely depleted.
A key species on the agenda this year is another of the world’s most majestic, most commercially valuable – and most exploited – marine species: the Mediterranean swordfish. The situation is particularly critical as no management plan has ever been designed for this species which is, like tuna, highly overfished.
A key species on the agenda this year is another of the world’s most majestic, most commercially valuable – and most exploited – marine species: the Mediterranean swordfish. The situation is particularly critical as no management plan has ever been designed for this species which is, like tuna, highly overfished.
Science, Capacity, Legality – 3 Keywords to save the Atlantic Bluefin tuna.
Overfishing of tuna species, in particular of the bluefin tuna, has led to a dramatic situation for the fish and for the entire ecosystem. Tuna is also the "most wanted" fish for those fishing illegally.
Bluefin tuna populations have declined alarmingly over the past few decades, largely driven by worldwide demand for sushi and sashimi. Although governments, the tuna fishing industry and their retailers are increasingly aware of the critical situation, there is as yet no sign of a permanent recovery of this species.
The establishment of tuna farms had a highly detrimental effect on the fishery, exacerbating the fishing pressure particularly on the spawner part of the population
WWF asks at ICCAT
Bluefin tuna populations have declined alarmingly over the past few decades, largely driven by worldwide demand for sushi and sashimi. Although governments, the tuna fishing industry and their retailers are increasingly aware of the critical situation, there is as yet no sign of a permanent recovery of this species.
The establishment of tuna farms had a highly detrimental effect on the fishery, exacerbating the fishing pressure particularly on the spawner part of the population
WWF asks at ICCAT
- Sustainable management of the BFT fishery still needs to be achieved and IUU must be fully eradicated.
- An electronic Bluefin Catch Document (eBCD) must be urgently implemented to address some of the traceability shortcomings and track in real-time bluefin tuna through the market chain.
- ICCAT Contracting Parties must either ensure full traceability in farms or ban farming practices in case this is not technically feasible.
- WWF fully supports the EU initiative to adopt the means to ensure that the best possible scientific advice is used to adopt management recommendations for the bluefin tuna fishery.
Tuna - Key Facts
- Current fleet capacity: more than the double of what is needed.
- Growth rates during farming highly over reported, meaning a considerable laundering of BFT catches.
Mediterranean swordfish: let’s create a safety net for their survival.
Mediterranean swordfish fishery underwent a rapid expansion in the 1980s resulting in a severe stock decline. The current fishery is based on juvenile, sexually immature fish.
Currently, the fishery has no management plan in place.
An effective recovery plan for swordfish should include a reliable capacity reduction plan for the species with a clear timeframe. Technical measures established in the plan should include measures to protect juveniles as are the seasonal closure during the entire recruitment period and a minimum landing size determined by the age of sexual maturity, and the establishment of an effective catch document scheme.
The fleet capacity reduction plan is essential to effectively manage the fishery. In order to implement a capacity reduction plan the SCRS (ICCAT’s scientific committee) should carry out an assessment of the current fleet capacity effectively targeting swordfish, particularly longliners, by estimating catch rates per segment of fleet.
WWF asks at ICCAT
Currently, the fishery has no management plan in place.
An effective recovery plan for swordfish should include a reliable capacity reduction plan for the species with a clear timeframe. Technical measures established in the plan should include measures to protect juveniles as are the seasonal closure during the entire recruitment period and a minimum landing size determined by the age of sexual maturity, and the establishment of an effective catch document scheme.
The fleet capacity reduction plan is essential to effectively manage the fishery. In order to implement a capacity reduction plan the SCRS (ICCAT’s scientific committee) should carry out an assessment of the current fleet capacity effectively targeting swordfish, particularly longliners, by estimating catch rates per segment of fleet.
WWF asks at ICCAT
- Unless we take immediate action, swordfish will follow the same fate as bluefin tuna and face a drastic and dangerous decline.
- We need to ensure the urgent implementation of a fishing capacity reduction plan for the vessels targeting swordfish.
- We need to ensure the urgent adoption of a scientifically-based comprehensive recovery plan for swordfish.
Swordfish
SWORDFISH - THE KEY FACTS
- Nearly 13,000 vessels registered as authorized to fish Mediterranean swordfish.
- 50-70% of the total yearly catches Fish less than 3 years old.
- Sexual maturity: 140cm. However, the minimum landing size to be voted is likely 90cm.
- 6 month closure to rebuild the stock to the 1980s level.