EU and ICCAT fail to protect tuna

In an report generated by itself, The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) described its own management of the bluefin tuna fishery as “an international disgrace”.

As if to reinforce the point it has now opted to set catch quotas far higher than its own scientists recommend, 22,000 tonnes for next year rather than their own scientists recommended TAC of 8,500 to 15,000 tonnes, and ignored calls for a seasonal closure of the fishery during the fragile spawning months of May and June.

This decision was driven by the EU supported by Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Syria and Japan in opposition to a proposal by the US, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Iceland, Brazil and a brace of developing nations to fix the allowed catch at the upper levels recommended by scientists and closing the fishery for the full spawning period.

The debate has been marred by allegations of the EC threatening developing state members with trade retaliations should they support lower catch limits and extended closed seasons.

Dr Tudela of WWF was quoted as saying “Today’s outcome is a recipe for economic as well as biological bankruptcy with the EU squarely to blame.”.

It could also be said that once again EU fisheries management is seen as being parochial, morally bankrupt and focused on political expediency rather than fisheries management.

The optimal supply of fish depends on the fish being allowed to grow and spawn before they are caught - EU Parliament – (COM(2002) 656 2003/2036(INI)

Category: Conservation, EU Government News