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, scientists and conservationists said that ICCAT did not do a good job protecting tuna. They thought the group allowed too much fishing, which hurt the fish populations.

Recently, there are signs that ICCAT is improving. For example, it made a strict plan to help the Eastern Bluefin Tuna, one of the most famous tuna species, recover. While it is still too soon to know if this plan will fully work, the early results look positive. The group’s members are now trying to use better science, follow rules more closely, and make decisions in a fair way.

Species under management

Tuna and tuna-like fishes travel long distances and their groups 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; as well as billfishes like swordfish, white marlin, blue marlin, and sailfish. It also 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 in their environment, and ocean conditions. They also gather numbers about fishing activities to help manage tuna resources better.

ICCAT also collects information about other sea animals caught when fishing for tuna, like sharks, especially when no other groups are studying them. Every year, ICCAT uses science and data from its members to decide rules that help keep tuna numbers healthy for future catches.

Criticism

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

In 2008, scientists told ICCAT that no more than 15,000 tonnes of Atlantic bluefin tuna should be caught each year to keep the fish population healthy. But ICCAT decided to allow 22,000 tonnes instead. A review asked by ICCAT itself said their rules for this type of tuna were very poor and shameful.

In 2009, experts said there should be a total 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, with calls to use other ways to protect the fish, like rules from an international group that controls trade in endangered species. Some groups and officials said ICCAT was not doing enough to protect the fish for the long term.

Recent developments

In recent years, ICCAT made a strict 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 positive 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.