Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission’s Annual Meeting Fails to Establish Harvest Strategies

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) wrapped up its annual meeting without reaching a consensus on science-based harvest strategies for the critically important Pacific bluefin and bigeye tuna. This decision delays vital management measures until next year, leaving many stakeholders anxious about the future of these valuable fish stocks.

Despite extensive preparatory work ahead of the meeting, IATTC members could not agree on long-term sustainability plans for the eastern Pacific fisheries. This setback has garnered attention from conservation organizations, including The Pew Charitable Trusts, which has voiced disappointment over the lack of progress.

“Pacific bluefin and bigeye tuna fisheries must now wait another year for science-based, precautionary harvest strategies,” stated Dave Gershman, a senior officer for international fisheries at Pew. “It is disappointing that IATTC members have again delayed action.”

The proposed harvest strategies were designed to transition management from a short-term, reactive approach to one focused on long-term sustainability. By establishing predetermined catch limits and management actions based on scientific assessments, these frameworks aim to minimize political uncertainties in quota-setting processes.

Gershman emphasized the urgency for IATTC members to prioritize the development of harvest strategies for both species. Successfully adopting these strategies next year could represent a pivotal moment for eastern Pacific tuna conservation, as well as for the fishing fleets that depend on these essential stocks.

Looking Ahead

The IATTC has committed to reconvene in 2026 to finalize comprehensive harvest strategies, emphasizing the need for science-driven management practices that support the sustainability of tuna fisheries. Stakeholders are encouraged to remain hopeful that collective efforts will yield positive results in the near future.

Comments (0)