International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas

International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
Name	International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
Abbreviation	ICCAT
Formation	1969
Type	Regional fishery management organisation
Headquarters	Madrid, Spain
Membership	52 contracting parties
Website	https://www.iccat.int/

International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. It is a tuna regional fisheries management organization responsible for the conservation and management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. Established in 1969, its mandate covers a vast area from the coasts of Canada to the waters off South Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea. The commission's work is guided by scientific advice to ensure the long-term sustainability of these important fisheries.

History and establishment

The commission was established through the adoption of the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas in Rio de Janeiro in 1966, which entered into force in 1969. Its creation was driven by growing international concern over the expansion of industrialized fishing fleets and the need for cooperative management of highly migratory species that cross national boundaries. Key founding parties included the United States, Japan, and several European nations like France and Spain. The early work of the organization was significantly influenced by the precedents set by other bodies like the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission in the Pacific Ocean.

Objectives and mandate

The primary objective is to maintain populations of tuna and tuna-like species at levels which can permit the maximum sustainable catch, as defined by the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. Its mandate, derived from the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, is to coordinate scientific research, compile fisheries statistics, and recommend binding conservation measures. These measures aim to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the resources across the entire Atlantic Ocean, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Bay of Biscay and the South Atlantic.

Organizational structure

The commission's main decision-making body is the annual meeting of all Contracting Parties. Day-to-day operations are managed by a permanent Secretariat located in Madrid. Scientific guidance is provided by a dedicated Standing Committee on Research and Statistics, which reviews data from member countries and conducts stock assessments. Specialized subsidiary bodies, such as panels for species like Atlantic bluefin tuna and swordfish, develop specific management advice. The structure also includes a Compliance Committee to review implementation of measures.

Species and fisheries managed

ICCAT manages a wide range of highly migratory species, most notably the prized Atlantic bluefin tuna, which has been a major focus of its conservation efforts. Other key tuna species include yellowfin, bigeye, albacore, and skipjack. The mandate also extends to tuna-like species such as swordfish, billfishes like white and blue marlin, and pelagic sharks including the Shortfin mako shark. Fisheries under its purview range from large-scale industrial longline operations to artisanal fleets in regions like the Mediterranean Sea.

Conservation and management measures

The commission adopts binding recommendations known as Conservation and Management Measures. These often include setting total allowable catches and national quotas for species like Atlantic bluefin tuna, which are allocated to members such as the European Union, Japan, and Canada. Other common measures establish minimum size limits, regulate fishing gear to reduce bycatch of species like sea turtles, and mandate time-area closures to protect spawning grounds in areas like the Gulf of Mexico. The measures are intended to be based on the precautionary approach and the best available science from its committees.

Compliance and enforcement

Ensuring member adherence to measures is a critical function. The commission operates a comprehensive vessel monitoring system and maintains a record of authorized fishing vessels. An ICCAT Regional Observer Programme places independent observers on board vessels to monitor activities. The Compliance Committee reviews annual reports from parties like the United States and Morocco, and can recommend actions against non-complying members. The organization also collaborates with other bodies like the European Fisheries Control Agency to enhance monitoring in areas like the Mediterranean Sea.

Membership and participation

Membership consists of 52 contracting parties, which include individual nations and regional economic integration organizations. Key members are major fishing entities such as the European Union, Japan, the United States, Canada, Brazil, and South Africa. Participation also extends to cooperating non-members, entities, and fishing entities, such as Taiwan, which participates under the name "Chinese Taipei". Numerous non-governmental organizations, including the World Wide Fund for Nature and the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, attend meetings as observers to provide input on conservation issues.

Category:Fisheries organizations Category:International organizations based in Madrid Category:Organizations established in 1969