The pilot project for farming bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in the Cantabrian Sea aims to evaluate the feasibility and conditions for developing bluefin tuna fishing and farming in this region. Conducted over one year on a small scale with 50 fish, the project seeks to assess key aspects such as the performance of submersible cages under extreme weather, the presence of suitable tuna schools for purse seiners from July to November, growth and fattening rates, economic viability, and the adequacy of existing ICCAT monitoring and control measures. The project details, including quota allocation, control mechanisms, and compliance requirements, will be outlined in the 2025 annual fishing, farming, and inspection plans and approved by ICCAT’s Panel 2. Results will be reported to the Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) and the Commission by the end of 2025, providing comprehensive data on catches, fish growth, and operational challenges to inform whether commercial farming could proceed beyond the pilot stage.
2024-01-01