The European Union supports sustainable fisheries at the annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
The annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) concluded on November 20 in New Cairo, Egypt.
ICCAT members adopted recommendations to promote sustainable practices, ensure responsible use of marine resources, and promote the conservation of species at risk.
Many important proposals on shark protection and sustainable management have been adopted – many of which were based on EU proposals. However, no agreement has been reached on a new management framework for bigeye tuna.
Blue shark in the South Atlantic Ocean
Driven by a strong EU proposal to tackle poaching Blue shark in the South Atlantic OceanMembers of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas have reached agreement on a new allocation key to limit catches, in line with scientific advice. This is an essential step in responsible management of this species. The newly created allocation key takes into account current fishing patterns as well as the needs of developing coastal nations.
In line with the goal of establishing sustainable harvest levels in the South Atlantic, North Atlantic blue shark The TAC was set at 30,000 tonnes, well below the maximum sustainable yield (MSY). This effort underscores the EU’s commitment to ensuring prudent management and long-term sustainability of the stock
Conservation of whale sharks and mobulid rays
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas has adopted two important recommendations for the conservation of marine species at risk: a proposal for Whales and sharkssubmitted by the European Union, and a proposal on mobulid Rays, presented by the United Kingdom and co-sponsored by the European Union.
These recommendations are a direct result of EU efforts to advance the conservation of vulnerable marine species.
Bluefin tuna
Based on proposals from the European Union, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas has updated some parts of the framework for managing bluefin tuna farming activities. In particular, reference to the old frame of reference for limiting agricultural capacity was addressed. Furthermore, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas has adopted the framework of a pilot project on bluefin tuna farming in the Cantabrian Sea.
Monitoring and surveillance
The European Union also led monitoring, surveillance and supervision efforts, adopting the EU proposal On Electronic Monitoring Standards (EMS)which will allow significant improvement in data collection and monitoring of fisheries.
Extensive discussions took place about Control, enforcement and control (IUU) fishing. The European Union raised issues related to some ships operating in the region.
It is unfortunate that this annual meeting has ended Without reaching agreement on a new multi-year program for the conservation and management of tropical tunaWhich leads to an extension of the current procedure. The European Union remains committed to finding a consensual solution. Likewise, in the absence of an agreement this year, work will continue in earnest on A Management procedures to North Atlantic swordfish.
background
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is the regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) responsible for the conservation of tuna and tuna-like species in the Atlantic and adjacent seas. There are currently 52 delegations of Contracting Parties, including an EU delegation representing the interests of EU Member States.
About regional fisheries management organizations
Regional fisheries management organizations ensure that fishing activities do not cause significant negative impacts on biodiversity and marine ecosystems.
Countries with fishing interests in a particular geographical area form regional fisheries management organizations, which are also open to coastal States. These regional regional organizations can also be accessed by countries whose fleets have traditionally fished in these areas or are interested in participating in these fisheries.
Regional fisheries management organizations have the authority to adopt a variety of rules for fisheries management. They use management tools such as catch limits (quotas), technical measures, spatial and/or temporal restrictions, and monitoring, control and surveillance activities to ensure compliance with rules. RFMOs make decisions based on scientific advice provided by their scientific bodies and regularly review the compliance of their members.
Today, regional fisheries management organizations cover the majority of the world’s seas. They can be broadly divided into regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) that focus solely on the management of highly migratory fish stocks, in particular tuna and tuna-like species (“RFMOs”) and RFMOs that manage other fisheries resources (i.e. surface or bottom) in a more specific area.
The European Union, represented by the European Commission, plays an active role in 5 regional tuna fisheries management organizations and 13 regional tuna fisheries management organizations. This makes the European Union one of the most prominent actors in regional fisheries management organizations worldwide.
