International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas

Purpose

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas is the regional fisheries management organization responsible for the management of tuna, swordfish, and other related large pelagic fish. This includes responsibility for allocating available quotas of these fish stocks among Commission members.

Convention Area Top of Page

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas encompasses all waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the adjacent Seas, including the Exclusive Economic Zones of all coastal states.

ANNUAL MEETINGTop of Page

CANADA’S OBJECTIVES

Going into the 2011 annual meeting in Istanbul, Turkey starting November 11, Canada’s objectives are:

• To adopt management measures that ensures the sustainability of species managed by the Commission; and
• To continue strengthening the Commission.

More specifically:

• Address the over-allocation in the North Atlantic swordfish fishery;
• Build on progress achieved to ensure the long-term sustainability of Atlantic bluefin tuna;
• Seek adoption of effective management measures for porbeagle shark;
• Seek progress on strengthening the work of the Commission through Rules of procedures; and
• Highlight Canada’s contribution to science on several species managed by the Commission.
• Advance the development and implementation of an electronic tracking system to enhance the current compliance regime.

Species Managed Top of Page

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas covers about 30 species including tuna, swordfish, and other related large pelagic species such as spearfish and mackerels. Pelagic species live in the water column, as opposed to near the sea floor.

Contracting Parties Top of Page

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas currently counts 48 members ranging from North, South and Central America to Europe and Africa, as well as distant-water fishing nations from Asia and the South Pacific. Canada has been a member since the organization was established in 1969. For a full list of contracting parties, visit the ICCAT website.

Achievements Top of Page

• Compiling relevant catch and scientific data with an advanced tagging system allowing data collection of tunas and tuna-like fish;
• Combating the problem of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by:
  
  • Leading other regional fisheries management organizations in using trade sanctions;
  • Maintaining a list of vessels suspected of engaging in illegal, unreported and unregulated activities in the Convention Area;
  • Committing to on-going performance review of conservation and management efforts;
    
• Strengthening conservation and management measures;
• Improving compliance by some members and the capacity of some members to take responsibility for the actions of their fleets; and
• Supporting increased scientific study to better understand tunas, swordfish and tuna-like species and their ecosystems to ensure sustainable and healthy fish stocks.

Canada's Leadership Role Top of Page

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas is an important forum where Canada plays a leadership role in the way highly migratory fish stocks are managed. Examples include:

• Ensuring that quotas for the Western Atlantic bluefin tuna continue to be aligned with the scientific advice;
• Canada advocating for strengthened management and compliance with measures for the Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna. At the 2010 annual meeting, the Commission adopted a total allowable catch for Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna in line with the latest science advice. Canada is encouraged by such progress.
• Initiating dialogue amongst key fishing nations to discuss allocations for North Atlantic swordfish and address concerns of over-allocations;
• Establishing capacity building efforts to help face the Commission’s rapid growth; particularly with the addition of many developing countries as members;  
• Reviewing the shark species management plans; and
• Canada being chair of the Permanent Working Group for four years, and currently holding the position of Chair of the Finance and Admin Committee.

Important Links

• Canada's Opening Statement: ICCAT (November 17, 2010)
• Read more about bluefin tuna
• The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas official website