Information on NCMC's conservation efforts for sailfish, marlin, swordfish, tuna, and sharks

ICCAT EXTENDS MARLIN AND SWORDFISH
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS;
Bluefin Remain at Risk

12/06  The United States achieved three of its four top objectives at the recent annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), November 16-26 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. National Coalition for Marine Conservation President Ken Hinman served as a member of the U.S. delegation and worked with our Commissioners to continue the strongest possible Atlantic-wide conservation measures for billfish, swordfish and bluefin tuna. Ken’s full review of the ICCAT meeting, with commentary and analysis, will be featured in the upcoming Winter 2007 edition of the NCMC Marine Bulletin*.

Marlins. The existing management program for blue and white marlins – strict landings limits and mandatory release of live fish – was extended through 2010. These measures, put into place in 2000, have begun to increase the number of billfish after decades of steady decline. Measures added this year include 5% observer coverage of high seas fleets and a cap on artisanal catches at 2006 levels.

Swordfish. After the newest stock assessment showed Atlantic swordfish rebuilt to ICCAT’s target for a recovered stock, the negotiations centered on allocation of the available quota. The U.S. was able to prevent an increase in the total allowable catch above sustainable levels to accommodate the demands of developing countries by transferring 2,700 tons of unharvested quota to other nations. The U.S. will retain its traditional share (30%) for the next two years, at which time the quota sharing arrangement will be revisited.

Bluefin Tuna. The quota for western Atlantic bluefin tuna was reduced by 22%, to 2,100 tons, consistent with the advice of the commission’s scientists (SCRS). The population remains seriously overfished with little sign of rebuilding. The U.S., which supported the cutback, also tried to get eastern countries to follow the science and cut the quota of eastern Atlantic bluefin in half. The SCRS warned that, without drastic reductions in fishing mortality (the 2005 catch was estimated to be as high as 50,000 tons!), the stock in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean was in danger of collapse. The U.S. proposal received little support from the European Community, which pushed through its own proposal, which includes tighter enforcement but leaves the quota about twice what the scientists recommend.

*A subscription to our quarterly newsletter Marine Bulletin is exclusive to members.  Join now!

Read more on our Bring Back the Big Fish program.

Learn more about NCMC's efforts to close areas to longlining in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.