Despite strong warnings from its own scientists, ICCAT refused to reduce fishing quotas significantly for Mediterranean bluefin tuna last November.
Throwing science out the window makes no sense. If we’re to prevent an imminent collapse, a concerted effort is now essential to knock some sense into the countries cashing in on bluefin.
Cut quotas
WWF is asking EU countries, and all nations with an allocation for fishing Mediterranean bluefin tuna, to assign half of their quota this year to conservation – an urgent measure to prevent a complete collapse of the fishery. This would bring the total annual catch down to 15,000 tonnes this year, as recommended by WWF and international scientists.
Keep out of the nursery
WWF is also recommending that EU fishing nations should not operate in Libyan waters, where the fishery will be unregulated (there is no obligation for Libya to comply with ICCAT rules following their rejection of the ICCAT management plan). Libyan waters are the last refuge of vulnerable spawning bluefin tuna, following the collapse of stocks in the traditional Western Mediterranean breeding grounds.
Let them breed
WWF advocates the total closure in June of the bluefin tuna fishery for the whole Mediterranean, to further protect the vulnerable breeding tuna.
Do the right thing
Quite simply, what we need is a sensible management plan for Mediterranean bluefin tuna that doesn’t drive the species to extinction. By following sound science and taking urgent action to prevent a disaster this fishing season, governments can avoid presiding over the demise of one of the most magnificent fish that swims the ocean.
