The ICCAT recommendation extends and amends previous measures for the conservation of North Atlantic swordfish through 2024, maintaining the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) at 13,200 t and setting detailed catch limits and transfer arrangements among Contracting Party and Cooperating non‐Contracting Party, Entity, or Fishing Entity (CPCs). It introduces provisions for quota carryovers and deductions, ensures adjustments for overages or underages (notably for Japan), and reaffirms quota flexibility for certain CPCs. The recommendation underscores the transition toward adopting a Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) framework, with Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) tasked in 2024 to finalize operational management objectives, review candidate management procedures (CMPs), test robustness under various scenarios, and develop an Exceptional Circumstances Protocol. The Commission will consider these scientific outcomes at its 2024 meeting to adopt a new management procedure for setting TACs for 2025–2027 and beyond.
2023-01-01