ICCAT – International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas

Focus Ask – Tropical Tuna Measure

Improve the tropical tuna measure by adopting an equitably allocated Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for yellowfin tuna based on the 2024 assessment and strengthen FAD management, including agreement on a timetable for transition to fully biodegradable FADs.

Also in 2024:

  • Adopt management procedures for western Atlantic skipjack and North Atlantic Swordfish, as well as multi-stock management objectives for bigeye, yellowfin, and eastern skipjack.
  • Adopt a streamlined seabird conservation management measure that reflects up-to-date scientific advice on best practice.
NGO RFMO Map - ICCAT

NGO Tuna Forum RFMO Priorities for Immediate Action

Aligned NGOs request that all RFMOs take immediate action to progress the following priorities:

  • Adopt and implement robust management procedures for tunas and other targeted stocks, including swordfish and blue sharks.
  • Require 100% observer coverage (human and/or electronic) in industrial tuna fisheries, including all those vessels engaged in at sea transshipment.
  • Adopt and/or strengthen at-sea transshipment measures in line with best practices, such as those recommended in the NGO Tuna Forum’s Aligned Guidance on At-Sea Transshipment.
  • Strengthen FAD management provisions to at least the level defined in the NGO Tuna Forum’s Aligned Guidance on FAD Management.
  • Strengthen compliance mechanisms to ensure RFMO processes are transparent and robust, members are held accountable for the implementation of all conservation management measures and data reporting requirements, and there are clear consequences for non-compliance.
  • Implement and strengthen bycatch mitigation measures to effectively minimize bycatch and proactively reduce fishing induced mortality of ETP species, non-target species and non-retained bycatch in line with NGO Tuna Forum’s Aligned Bycatch Mitigation Expectations.
  • Require fins naturally attached for ALL (i.e., fresh and frozen) sharks without exceptions, adopting the globally acknowledged best practice to prevent finning.
  • Establish recommendations for labor and safety standards for crew and observers on fishing vessels based on relevant international labor conventions.

ICCAT Letters

ICCAT Letters Archive