Description

Mediterranean bluefin tuna is an example of the sustainability plan’s success

Currently, bluefin tuna fishing is the most studied, controlled, and regulated fishing in the world under any scientific standard. The scarcity problem of bluefin tuna lies within the  increasing market demand and, therefore, the increase in catches. In the 90s, catches reached 50,000 tons annually. Eventually, the species was considered to be close to a point of collapse and that’s why, at the end of the 20th century, protection measures began to come into effect.

Because of this, ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna), was created, the regional fishing organization under the UN and FAO that manages fishing. Its management policies are based on periodic reports on the state of fishing, issued by the Scientific Committee (SCRS).

ICCAT establishes fishing quotas for tuna fishing countries and therefore ensures that the stock of Western and central bluefin tuna is not depleted.