ICCAT: Where fishing is regulated for migratory species in the Atlantic
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) meets once again to decide the future of large pelagic species like sharks, swordfish, bluefin tuna and albacore, among others.
ICCAT manages the so-called Highly Migratory Species, or commercially exploitable species that develop their life cycles in waters around the world. If these species were managed independently by each country, contradictions could arise for certain populations or species.
Who...
ICCAT includes a representation of each country within the area of the convention (the Atlantic). During the annual meeting (usually held at the end of the year), participants must reach an agreement,on catch and management measures that will be implemented for each managed species the following year. However, not all species included in the convention have these measures in place. .
ICCAT has various committees that meet throughout the year and provide information for subsequent decision-making during the annual meeting, as well as for the specific management measures or plans. Some of these committees are:
- The Scientific Committee. Each country must provide data about catches, fleets or any other information that may be used to establish management measures or plans for the species included in the convention.
- The Compliance Committee. In charge of enforcing compliance with the decisions established through management plans or measures, as well as annual catch quotas. ICCAT members may present proof of non-compliance by other countries.
- The Statistics Committee. Processes and treats the data that scientists will study.
For what...
ICCAT should be a space in which countries agree to establish measures for sustainable fisheries management or the protection of endangered species. Unfortunately, there are no management measures or plans in place for all the species under its competence and, in some cases, scientific advice is not followed.
The critical state of the bluefin tuna fishery is an example of the grave consequences of not heeding scientific advice. Various species of sharks are also in danger because their long life cycles and low rates of reproduction make them especially vulnerable to overfishing.
The significant lack of scientific data makes it difficult to evaluate stocks, and as such, adequate management measures cannot be implemented for the different species included in the convention. However, the fishing continues…
Oceana…
Oceana plays the role of observer at ICCAT, which means that we may attend the meetings held throughout the year and participate in the annual meeting of the parties, but we do not take part in the decision-making process.
One of the main responsibilities of non-governmental organisations is to inform agencies about scientific advice, the real state of species and of possible alternatives available for the implementation of good management measures. Oceana also carries out its own research to report irregularities to the Compliance Committee, and provides data that sheds light on the state of the stocks.
