Brussels, 14/11/2002 (Agence Europe) - Although the Commission would have like to have seen stricter measures for red tuna, Commissioner Franz Fischler, nonetheless, welcomed the results of the Annual Meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) held in Bilbao (Spain) from 28 October to 4 November. He particularly welcomed the strengthened action to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) and the introduction of multi-annual management plans, including total allowable catches (TACs) and fishing quotas, for key tuna and tuna-like fish stocks
Management of fish stocks: multi-annual approach to stock management for the main tuna and swordfish stocks. In addition to the four-year TAC of 32,000 tonnes was agreed for Eastern bluefin tuna for the period 2003-2006 is the action plan to reduce juvenile catches, new regulatory measures for tuna farming installations, an increase in minimum size regulations and other measures to address management concerns. A distribution key was also agreed for distribution of fishing quotas among ICCAT members active in this fishery, thus putting an end to the practice of fixing autonomous quotas by member countries, which led to overfishing of this stock.
Given the positive results achieved by the implementation of a rebuilding plan for Northern swordfish, in place since 1999, a TAC of 14,000 tonnes (instead of the current 10,400 tonnes) was set for a three-year period (2003-2005). New allocation keys for fishing possibilities were also decided including a redistribution of quotas to a number of interested developing countries.
A four-year management plan was also adopted for Southern Atlantic swordfish, comprising TACs and quota allocations. A new allocation key was established providing fishing possibilities for interested developing states, including Brazil, South Africa and Namibia. For other stocks in the area under the responsibility of ICCAT, such as bigeye tuna and Northern albacore, a roll-over of current management arrangements was agreed.
Fight against illegal unreported and unregulated fishing: ICCAT Contracting parties agreed to establish a positive or "white list" of vessels authorised to fish tuna and swordfish in the Atlantic. Those on the list will be the only legitimate vessels which may land these species. This innovative system aims to ensure that ICCAT members exercise the necessary control over their fleet and prevent their vessels from engaging in illegal operations. At the same time, a "black list" of vessels from non-Contracting parties which have engaged in IUU activities, has been established. Although the effectiveness of this system has been weakened in the past by constant changing of flag and registration by vessels included on the list, it nonetheless constitutes a basis allowing ICCAT to invoke trade sanctions against flag states whose vessels have been involved in illegal fishing. A specific meeting to further develop action against IUU will be hosted by the EU in mid-2003.