Luxembourg, 23/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 23 October, Spain called for a reasonable increase in bluefin tuna fishing quotas, if scientific reports confirm that stocks are replenishing, Spain's Agriculture Minister Miguel Arias Canete told EFE. The subject was discussed during the Fisheries Council ahead of the November meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Arias Canete insisted that the increase must be done with caution as bluefin tuna stocks were in a critical situation just a short time ago.
Spain is the country that fishes the most bluefin tuna, with a national quota of 2,411 tonnes. Italy's Fisheries Minister Mario Catania was adamant, on Tuesday, about the need to be very cautious when evaluating the rise in quotas for that species. Sources on the subject speak of a moderate recovery in bluefin tuna stocks. France also states there should not be too much haste in stepping up quotas, saying it is necessary to wait for the scientific opinion and the Commission's proposal. The WWF states it is necessary to wait another two years before quotas can be increased. (LC/transl.jl)