The pilot project for farming bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in the Cantabrian Sea aims to evaluate the feasibility and conditions for both fishing and farming bluefin tuna in this region to guide potential future development. The research focuses on assessing technological performance of submersible cages under extreme weather, availability of suitable fish schools for capture, growth and fattening potential of tuna, economic viability, and the effectiveness of existing ICCAT monitoring and control measures. Conducted on a limited scale over one year with up to 50 tuna, the project allows an extended fishing season and requires detailed annual fishing and inspection plans, including control measures aligned with ICCAT rules. The results will be reviewed in 2024 to determine the potential for commercial expansion beyond the pilot phase, with participating Contracting Party and Cooperating non‐Contracting Party, Entity, or Fishing Entity (CPCs) reporting detailed findings and challenges to ICCAT’s Standing Committee on Research and Statistics. The project represents an innovative effort to revitalize bluefin tuna fishing in the Cantabrian Sea while ensuring adherence to environmental and regulatory standards.
2023-01-01