Global: ISSF outlines priorities for Atlantic Ocean tuna fisheries

The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) has called on the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) to take steps to ensure the sustainability of Atlantic Ocean tuna fisheries. The ISSF has urged ICCAT to adopt a new recommendation for tropical tuna management, including stronger management of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), and to expand the adoption of management procedures for more tuna stocks. The ISSF also highlighted the need for improved allocation and management of yellowfin tuna stocks in the Atlantic.

ISSF outlines priorities for Atlantic Ocean tuna fisheries. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is responsible for the conservation and management of tunas, sharks, and other highly migratory species in the Atlantic Ocean. At their annual meeting in November, ICCAT members must focus on fulfilling the Commission’s mandate and ensuring the sustainability of its fisheries. International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) urges members and cooperating non-members at the annual meeting of ICCAT to take the following priority actions. Adopt a new recommendation for tropical tuna management that includes stronger FAD management. For the fourth year in a row, ISSF is asking ICCAT to adopt a strengthened tropical tuna measure that maintains bigeye and yellowfin stocks at sustainable levels and improves the management of FADs. Following last year’s annual meeting, the Commission once again rolled over its conservation measure for tropical ...