Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna takes good steps forward
date: 14/10/2016
In line with the CCSBT Management Procedure and as recommended by its scientists, the total allowable catch (TAC) for southern bluefin tuna was rolled over at 17 341 tonnes to 2017 and increased by 3000 tonnes for the period 2018-2020. For the EU the decision entails a slight increase of its by-catch quota from 10 to 11 tonnes. The EU also welcomes the fact that the allocations for developing coastal countries were increased to account for their legitimate fishing aspirations.
Progress was also achieved in the fight against IUU fishing through the revision of the IUU listing procedure. In addition, a Resolution prohibiting the use of large-scale driftnets in high seas will further help to increase the sustainability of Southern Bluefin tuna fisheries.
Unfortunately, a proposal for seabird mitigation measures once again did not find consensus. However, the CCSBT's Scientific Committee was tasked to examine further ecosystem aspects of the southern bluefin tuna fisheries, notably regarding seabirds.
The meeting also saw the adoption of decisions on data management, compliance, financial management and scientific measures, contributing to the sound management of the southern bluefin tuna stock.
Background: The Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for the management of southern bluefin tuna throughout its distribution. The CCSBT's objective is to ensure, through appropriate management, the conservation and optimum utilisation of southern bluefin tuna. Members of the Extended Commission comprise: Australia, the European Union, the Fishing Entity of Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand and South Africa. The Philippines are a Cooperating Non-Member.