There is renewed hope for tuna. The species faced serious challenges a few years ago, but tangible steps from governments and international organizations are driving progress. A fresh move in this direction could strengthen this recovery. The international conservation group WWF participates in the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). A new strategy for sustainable capture and management of Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna has been proposed because, in the long run, it aims to protect the population and marks an unprecedented stride forward. Parties are urged to adopt it right away.
The protection unit noted the decision taken at the ICCAT meeting in Val do Lobo, Portugal. In light of this agreement, WWF encourages the European Union to ensure sustainable management of other fish stocks overseen by this global body.
This deal matters greatly for tuna’s future. Fifty-one fishing countries within ICCAT agreed to ban the retention of live South Atlantic short-finned mako sharks, push a recovery plan for big-eyed tuna, and approve a Mediterranean albacore quota that should curb overfishing.
In this sense, WWF explains that the new strategy will let ICCAT manage eastern and western Atlantic stocks with clear rules, set out in the Fishing Rules agreed at this meeting. It emphasizes the need for population-informed, short-term management decisions.
It adds that these measures will reflect the population’s status, helping stabilize fisheries and markets while minimizing depletion risk for the tuna stock in the years ahead.
Raúl García, WWF Spain fisheries coordinator, described the adoption of the new catching strategy as the beginning of a new era for Atlantic bluefin tuna management.
He also noted that this approach will have a global impact by setting an example for the rest of the regional tuna organizations. According to the WWF head of fisheries, concerted efforts by contracting parties, scientists, and all stakeholders will help ensure the survival and health of these populations.
Along the same lines, the bluefin tuna example demonstrates that fisheries managers now have effective tools to repair damage caused by overfishing. A robust population would support marine ecosystems and fishing communities alike.
Bluefin tuna recovering
The bluefin tuna population recovery has allowed the TAC, or total allowable catches, to triple from its decade-low, distributing benefits across fishing communities. The increases approved for 2023 to 2025 are tied to these capture rules and are expected to support fleets of small-scale traders who faced significant quotas before.
WWF also recognizes the efforts of ICCAT contracting parties to allocate the Mediterranean albacore quota this year after an improvement plan introduced last year. Current regulations have effectively halted the previous overfishing of albacore in the Mediterranean.
Experts emphasize that managers and NGO scientists should develop a plan to ensure sustainable use and fair quota distribution for tropical tuna, with particular attention to lark tuna, which remains overfished in parts of the Atlantic.
There is also a call for fishing nations to reduce unwanted shark catches and to implement spatial management measures that can limit mortality, giving mako sharks a real chance at recovery.
Additionally, observers should be expanded and gear and bait changes monitored to prevent increases in incidental catches of other vulnerable species such as sharks.
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