Brussels, 18/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday evening 17 November, EU countries reached an agreement to defend, at the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), maintaining or slightly reducing qualities for bluefin tuna next year (EUROPE 10258).
The Belgian presidency of the EU Council stated that the EU was, “aware of the precarious situation regarding stocks of bluefin tuna and of the need for sustainable management” and had therefore reached, “an ambitious position that gave negotiators quite a lot of room for manoeuvre”.
Without mentioning the figures or explicitly talking about reducing the current quota, the negotiations mandate adopted after lengthy wrangling at COREPER (EU ambassadors) is proposing that the opinions of the scientists are strictly followed, in order to develop a maximum yield in the bluefin tuna stocks by 2020, with a level of probability located between 60% and 77%. This would mean the EU negotiating a total quota of between a current level of 13 500 tonnes and around 11 500 tonnes. Scientists consider that a stable control of 13 500 tonnes would help achieve the maximum sustainable yield for this stock (probability of 60% for this outcome). In order to attain greater probability, it is necessary to reduce this quota, explained scientists. Obtaining 77% probability would correspond to a quota of around 11 500 t.
The mandate given to the European Commission was decided against the opinion of the latter. The Commission advocated a substantial reduction of the quota and had quoted a figure of 6 000 tonnes. In opposition to the opinion of the Commission, the EU27 had to reach a vote by unanimity. Maria Damanaki, the Commissioner for fisheries recognised that the decision of the EU27, “was not based on the proposal by the Commission”. She did explain, however, that, “the Commission will respect its obligations as negotiator on behalf of the EU”. The compromise also authorises the strengthening of bluefin inspection measures. The 17th ICCAT meeting opened on Wednesday in Paris. Its 48 members have 10 days to find a compromise between the indispensable measures for reconstituting bluefin tuna stocks and the interests of those working in the industry. (L.C./transl.jl)