Oceana recommendations for a sustainable management framework for Mediterranean swordfish - Oceana

Report | November, 2011

Oceana recommendations for a sustainable management framework for Mediterranean swordfish

 

Management of Mediterranean swordfish has repeatedly been neglected to the detriment of the species. The ICCAT Standing Committee for Research and Statistics has assessed this stock as overexploited, with spawning biomass below sustainable levels and with 50-70% of catches comprised of juvenile fish. The complete absence of real management measures makes the Mediterranean swordfish fishery an open access one. Therefore, the adoption of a comprehensive management plan for Mediterranean swordfish must become a priority for ICCAT Contracting Parties.