The ICCAT recommendation sets the annual total catch limit for southern albacore in the Atlantic Ocean south of 5ºN at 24,000 tons for 2012 and 2013 to support stock rebuilding, acknowledging that the stock is likely overfished and overfishing is occurring. It establishes catch-sharing arrangements among five active fishing participants (Chinese Taipei, South Africa, Namibia, Brazil, Uruguay) with specified individual limits and also assigns limits to other parties including the EU, Belize, Philippines, Korea, and Japan. Regular catch reporting is mandated, with monthly reports required if catch thresholds are approached or exceeded. The recommendation includes provisions for adjustments and reductions in catch limits in case of overfishing or excess catches, and calls for improved catch reporting accuracy.
2011-01-01