Issues regarding implementation of the yellowfin tuna management plan and consequences for imports from third countries

Subject: Issues regarding implementation of the yellowfin tuna management plan and consequences for imports from third countries

On 17 December 2021 the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), which brings together 24 countries, adopted the provisional yellowfin tuna recovery plan. As part of a long-term management plan to protect the species’ population, a total catch limit of 401 011 tonnes was set, in line with the recommendations of the IOTC Scientific Committee. However, six countries (India, Iran, Indonesia, Madagascar, Oman and Somalia) oppose this agreement and have announced that they intend to catch the same quantities in 2022 as they did in 2020, therefore opting out of the agreed plan. This being so, the agreement is destined to fail even if the other signatories honour their commitments as total catches will exceed the maximum sustainable yield. The Global Tuna Alliance has already voiced its concerns about this issue.

1. How does the Commission view the decision of these six countries not to participate in the agreement, thereby undermining the authority of the relevant regional fisheries management organisation?

2. What repercussions might this position have on the import of fishery products from these six countries?

Answer given by Mr Sinkevičius on behalf of the European Commission (21 April 2022)

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) Resolution 21/01 (1) on a revised rebuilding plan for yellowfin tuna was adopted following the efforts of the EU and other members of the Organisation.

The Resolution represents a major step in reducing yellowfin catches in the Indian Ocean by extending the scope of the rebuilding plan to all fleets and all gears in line with the scientific advice.

The objections raised by six IOTC Members and the consequent non-application to them of the provisions of the Resolution are a threat to the effectiveness of the rebuilding plan, in particular because some of these members are among the biggest yellowfin tuna harvesters.

The Commission is extremely concerned by this situation and is committed to respect the limits defined at the 2021 annual meeting and to work to address the problem represented by objections at this year’s meeting of the IOTC.

The Commission is attentive to potential repercussions on imports of fishery products if the problem is not resolved.

⋅1∙ https://iotc.org/cmm/resolution-2101-interim-plan-rebuilding-indian-ocean-yellowfin-tuna-stock-iotc-area-competence | | ( | | )