The ICCAT Recommendation 24-05 establishes a strengthened multi-annual management plan for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, replacing Recommendations 22-08 and 23-06. It transitions from the previous recovery plan to a science-based management framework built on a Management Procedure (MP) and Harvest Control Rules (HCRs). The plan sets total allowable catches (TACs) at 40,570 tonnes for 2023–2025, distributed among CPCs (Contracting Parties and Cooperating Parties) with detailed quota allocations and strict transfer, payback, and reporting rules. It defines open fishing seasons by gear type, a minimum size of 30 kg (115 cm) with limited derogations, and capacity limits for vessels, traps, and farms to ensure sustainable exploitation. Control provisions include comprehensive vessel, trap, and farm registries, vessel monitoring systems (VMS), observer programs, and mandatory electronic catch documentation (eBCD) to ensure full traceability. Enforcement measures prohibit trade or transshipment of unverified tuna and require severe penalties for infringements. CPCs must submit annual fishing, capacity, and farming plans, and data for review by ICCAT’s Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS). The Recommendation reinforces transparency, traceability, and scientific oversight, ensuring long-term sustainability and equitable management of bluefin tuna stocks across the Atlantic-Mediterranean region.
2024-01-01