International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is a group that helps manage and protect tuna and similar fish in the Atlantic Ocean and nearby waters. It was created in 1966 during a meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and works in English, French, and Spanish.

For many years, some people thought ICCAT did not protect tuna well. They felt the group allowed too much fishing, which could harm the fish.

Lately, ICCAT seems to be getting better. It made a strict plan to help the Eastern Bluefin Tuna, a very well-known tuna species. It is still early, but things look hopeful. The group's members are now working to use better science, follow rules more carefully, and make decisions fairly.

Species under management

Tuna and tuna-like fishes travel long distances and cross many country borders. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas helps manage 30 species. These include the Atlantic bluefin, yellowfin, albacore, and bigeye tuna. It also manages billfishes like swordfish, white marlin, blue marlin, and sailfish. It manages mackerels such as Spanish mackerel and king mackerel, and small tunas like skipjack tuna.

Work carried out by the ICCAT

Scientists who work with ICCAT study how fishing affects tuna populations. They look at fish measurements, how fish live, and ocean conditions. They also gather numbers about fishing to help manage tuna better.

ICCAT also collects information about other sea animals caught when fishing for tuna, like sharks. Every year, ICCAT uses science and data to decide rules that help keep tuna numbers healthy.

Criticism

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) has faced criticism for its decisions. Many say ICCAT focuses too much on helping fishermen now, instead of making sure there are enough fish for the future.

In 2008, scientists said no more than 15,000 tonnes of Atlantic bluefin tuna should be caught each year. But ICCAT allowed 22,000 tonnes. A review said ICCAT's rules for this fish were very poor.

In 2009, experts said there should be a stop on trading Atlantic bluefin tuna because there were very few left. But ICCAT still allowed 13,500 tonnes to be caught each year. This led to more criticism. Some groups said ICCAT was not doing enough to protect the fish.

Recent developments

In recent years, ICCAT made a plan to help Atlantic bluefin tuna recover. This plan reduced the amount of tuna that could be caught from 27,500 tons in 2007 to 13,400 tons in 2014.

The plan also added careful monitoring and reporting rules. Over time, these steps started to show good results. Some critics who were not happy before now praise the actions ICCAT has taken. In 2012, a leader from Pew Environment Group said it was good to see ICCAT follow science and keep catch limits low. In 2013, a leader from WWF said it was encouraging that ICCAT followed science again but noted that some countries still did not always follow the rules.