The ICCAT Recommendation 24-01 updates the multi-annual conservation and management programme for tropical tunas mainly bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack for 2025-2027. It maintains a 15-year rebuilding plan for bigeye tuna (to 2034), sets a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 73,011 t for bigeye and 110,000 t for yellowfin, and details country-specific catch limits, transfer and carry-over rules, and monitoring provisions. The measure strengthens FAD (Fish Aggregating Device) management with limits on FAD numbers, closures to reduce juvenile mortality, and a phased transition to biodegradable and non-entangling FADs. It also introduces tighter reporting, observer coverage, vessel authorization, and capacity controls to prevent overfishing and illegal fishing. Emphasis is placed on the rights of developing coastal states, equitable access, and sustainable fleet development, with a review scheduled for 2027. The text consists of 81 Articles and 8 Annexes.
2024-01-01